Pakistan cricket is facing tumultuous times, with controversies surrounding sponsor logos and player contracts. However, amidst the chaos, there’s a glimmer of hope as Babar Azam & Co secure a historic agreement regarding ICC revenue sharing.
Let’s have a look into the highs and lows of this unfolding drama in Pakistan cricket
Sponsorship Boycott Threat
In the lead-up to the World Cup 2023, Pakistan cricket was rocked by reports of players contemplating a boycott of sponsor logos. The players’ discontent stemmed from the lack of central contracts and overdue payments from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The looming threat included refusing to display sponsor logos, declining participation in promotional activities, and abstaining from ICC’s commercial promotions during the World Cup.
Players expressed concerns over proposed contract terms, particularly regarding monthly retainers. While top players were offered a monthly salary of PKR 4.5 million, after deductions, it would plummet to around PKR 2.2 to 2.3 million. Younger players faced even lower retainers and endured a four-month wait for payments. The core demand: a fair share of the ICC’s revenue and sponsor-related income, which currently constitutes a mere 10% of what PCB receives (9.8 billion rupees).
The PCB, in response, tightened the NOC (No Objection Certificate) clauses for top players. Additionally, the board blamed franchise cricket for poor performances in the Asia Cup and player injuries. Reports suggested that player agents influenced the demands of the players.
After rounds of negotiations and a looming World Cup departure, a breakthrough was achieved. PCB agreed to share 3% of its ICC revenue share with centrally contracted players. This historic deal allows players to earn substantial sums from international cricket.
- Category A players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan will receive a monthly payment of PKR 4.5 million.
- Category B players will get PKR 3 million, while those in lower categories will earn between PKR 1.5 to 0.7 million.
The revenue share comes on top of increased monthly incomes in Test, ODI, and T20I formats.
While the agreement is a significant victory, there’s still no clarity on NOCs for players participating in franchise leagues. Inzamam Ul Haq, the chief selector, is working on formulating a policy for NOCs. The PCB, bolstered by the Asia Cup win, is likely to have the upper hand in this matter.
The world of Pakistan cricket has witnessed both turmoil and triumph in recent times. The threat of a sponsorship boycott shed light on the players’ genuine concerns regarding contracts and payments. However, the historic agreement to share ICC revenue marks a turning point, offering players financial stability and reinforcing their commitment to the game. As the team departs for the World Cup, the unity of Babar Azam & Co signifies a potential resurgence in Pakistan cricket, with the hope that the sport can take center stage once again.
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