The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to implement a new central contract structure for national cricketers from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, according to reports by cricket website Cricinfo.
Under the proposed model, players who have featured in at least four Test matches, six One-Day Internationals (ODIs), or six Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) during the past 12 months will be eligible for central contracts.
The revamped system introduces multiple performance-based categories aimed at rewarding players according to their role and format specialization.
Revised salary structure
According to the report, top Test specialists placed in Track A will receive a monthly retainership of Rs4 million.
Players who excel in both Test and ODI cricket and are categorized under Track AB will receive the highest monthly payment of Rs4.8 million.
Meanwhile, leading white-ball specialists in Track BC will earn Rs3.4 million per month.
T20 specialists placed in Track C are expected to receive Rs2.6 million monthly.
Unlimited league participation for T20 specialists
One of the most notable features of the proposed structure is that players categorized as T20 specialists in Track C will reportedly be allowed to participate in an unlimited number of franchise leagues around the world.
The move reflects the growing influence of franchise cricket and aims to provide flexibility for players who primarily focus on the shortest format.
Support for emerging players
The PCB is also expected to continue investing in young talent through Track D, under which emerging players will receive a monthly retainership of Rs1 million.
The category is designed to support promising cricketers as they transition into regular international cricket.
Match fees increased
The new structure also includes revised match fees across formats.
Under the proposed framework:
- Test match fee: Rs1.5 million per match
- ODI match fee: Rs750,000 per match
- T20I match fee: Rs500,000 per match
The changes are aimed at providing greater financial incentives and recognizing the differing demands of international cricket formats.
While details of the new contracts have been reported by Cricinfo, the PCB has yet to make an official announcement regarding the final list of contracted players and category placements.
The new model is expected to significantly reshape player earnings and career planning, particularly for specialists in red-ball and franchise cricket.
