PCB to slash players' monthly salaries after 'disappointing' T20 World Cup performance

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to review the central contracts of national team players after their poor performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, sources said on Saturday.

The review came after the Green Shirts' early exit from the tournament, which was sealed after a match between the USA and Ireland was abandoned due to rain.

According to sources, players who fail to perform will be demoted, and some big names may lose their central contracts altogether. 

The PCB had awarded a 3-year contract to players last year, but the team's dismal performance in recent tournaments has prompted a reevaluation.

The national team has struggled in several series, including the Asia Cup, World Cup in India, the tours of Ireland, and New Zealand, and the series against Australia. 

The players had previously negotiated a salary increase during the tenure of the then PCB chief Zaka Ashraf.

The central contract list for 2022-23 categorises players into four categories - A, B, C, and D. 

Top players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the A category currently receive around Rs6 million per month. 

Players in the B category receive Rs4.1 million, while those in the C category get Rs1.75 million, and those in the D category receive Rs1.13 million per month.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and senior officials held a late-night meeting to discuss the team's poor performance and the central contract review. 

The move to slash salaries is expected to be a major blow to the players, who will face stiff penalties for their disappointing performance.