Central Contracts Rise, Domestic Support Shrinks
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced a significant budget reshuffle, raising eyebrows across the cricketing community. While the move seems like a reward for elite performers, the real cost could be long-term damage to Pakistan’s cricket foundation. PCB’s Budget is Biased, Central Contracts Rise while Domestic cricket suffers.
In the latest financial plan, the annual pool for centrally contracted national players has increased by 37%, reaching an estimated Rs 1.173 billion. This also includes an expansion in the number of players covered — from 25 last year to 30 players this year. But as the stars rise, the backbone of Pakistan’s cricket system — the domestic circuit — suffers a blow.
Domestic Cricketers Hit Hard with Budget Cut
In sharp contrast to the rise in central contracts, the PCB has reduced the budget for men’s domestic player contracts by 34%, dropping from Rs 684 million to Rs 450 million. This is not a minor adjustment — it is a massive step backwards for domestic cricket, which is already struggling with poor facilities, inconsistent match fees, and limited recognition.
Cricketers who work tirelessly in first-class tournaments, grade II matches, and national championships form the pipeline for the international team. By slashing their funding, the board risks weakening this talent supply and further widening the gap between elite and emerging players.
Star Power vs System Building
It is understandable that national players deserve better financial security. They carry the expectations of millions and represent the country on the biggest stages. But strengthening the top while starving the base is unsustainable.
Imagine building a skyscraper on a cracked foundation — that’s what the PCB is doing by prioritizing international contracts over domestic development. Pakistan’s cricket has long been driven by raw talent found in local clubs, colleges, and domestic circuits. Cutting their support discourages future cricketers and demotivates current performers.
Better Pay for Women — A Positive Step
There’s one bright spot in the budget announcement — women’s cricket has received more attention than ever before. The number of centrally contracted women players has increased from 16 to 24, with the retainer budget jumping by a massive 121%, now standing at Rs 69 million. The domestic women’s budget also saw a slight 4% increase, now totaling Rs 37.2 million.
These moves are commendable, and the PCB deserves credit for giving women’s cricket more recognition and resources. But again, the progress on the women’s side does not justify the regression in men’s domestic support.
Rs 6 Billion for Stadiums — Good Optics, but What About Players?
The PCB also plans to invest Rs 6 billion in upgrading infrastructure at three major venues:
Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), National Stadium (Karachi), and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
While these projects are essential for hosting international events and generating revenue, they should not come at the cost of player development. What good are shiny stadiums if the players inside them lack resources and support? Additionally, Rs 93.6 million has been set aside for managing 12 new first-class grounds. Maintenance and pitch preparation will now be handled by newly appointed professionals. This is a welcome move but doesn’t make up for the massive cut to player salaries at the domestic level.
HR Budget Up, Domestic Budget Down?
Another budget surprise is the Rs 444 million allocation for PCB’s human resources department, which includes new appointments, promotions, salary hikes, and employee benefits. The HR department, while necessary, now receives almost the same amount of funding as the entire men’s domestic player salary pool (Rs 450 million). That’s hard to justify when hundreds of cricketers — some of whom may be future Babar Azams or Shaheen Afridis — are left struggling financially.
What Message Does This Send?
This uneven budgeting sends a dangerous message:
- If you’re not already a star, you don’t matter.
- Domestic cricketers play in extreme weather, travel across cities in basic conditions, and sacrifice their careers hoping for one break.
- Reducing their pay and support kills motivation, encourages early dropouts, and risks losing talented youth to other careers.
- If the gap between top-tier and grassroots keeps growing, Pakistan will face an even deeper crisis in bench strength, already visible in recent underwhelming second-string squads.
Financial Surplus — But at What Cost?
Ironically, the PCB claims to have a financial surplus of Rs 2.5 billion. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 budget is also being finalized with strong revenue potential. With so much cash flowing in, one would expect domestic players to benefit, or at the very least, be maintained at previous levels. But instead, they’re being cut off.That’s not just unfair — it’s shortsighted.
Central Contracts are important — but not more important than the system that creates them
If Pakistan wants to remain competitive in global cricket, it needs more investment in domestic players, not less. Let’s celebrate the stars — but not forget the hundreds who dream to become one.
Final Thoughts: Time to Rethink Priorities
Pakistan cricket has never lacked raw talent. But it has often lacked planning, structure, and fairness. The PCB must re-evaluate this budget decision.
Also read this : https://cric92.com/blogs/c92-is-the-future-of-cricket-gear-in-pakistan/