PCB approves new central contracts, higher match fees

LAHORE – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved an increase in match fees for national team and domestic cricketers, along with a series of financial and infrastructure initiatives, during a meeting of its Board of Governors chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The Board of Governors unanimously approved the PCB’s surplus budget for the 2026-27 financial year and endorsed administrative and financial autonomy for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The board also approved the budget for the 12th edition of the league. As part of efforts to strengthen domestic cricket, the board increased the domestic cricket budget from Rs3 billion to Rs4 billion. The meeting also approved a new central contract structure and revised payment mechanism for national team players, including an increase in match fees. To improve financial support for domestic cricketers, the match fee for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy players was raised from Rs30,000 to Rs100,000, while reserve players’ match fee was increased from Rs15,000 to Rs50,000. The Board of Governors also approved the organisation of women’s One-Day and T20 tournaments and allocated funds for their successful conduct. In addition, the minimum monthly salary of regional ground staff was increased to Rs42,000. The PCB sanctioned Rs6.7 billion for infrastructure development, including the upgradation of the National Stadium and other cricket venues, as well as making 12 additional grounds operational across the country. The PCB meeting further approved funding for the installation of a biomechanics machine at the High Performance Centre in Lahore to strengthen sports science and player development programmes. Hesson targets fitness overhaul in Pakistan white-ball camp at NCA