The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, ordered a review of the decision to reduce players’ match fees for the upcoming National T20 Championship. This move raised concerns in cricket circles about the board’s financial standing. The decision, initially implemented by the PCB’s domestic department, has stirred controversy in the cricket community.
Reports indicate that the PCB implemented cost-cutting measures affecting domestic cricket by reducing hotel and travel standards, and terminating player contracts. These actions were deemed necessary due to an unexpected rise in domestic cricket tournaments this season, not included in the original budget.
The PCB’s domestic cricket faced scrutiny with the sudden halt of the National U-19 Championship due to player age and other issues. Naqvi acted following complaints. The National Junior Championship, crucial for new talent, remains unscheduled this season.
Under the new fee structure, players will now earn PKR 10,000, a significant decrease from last year’s PKR 40,000 per match. Reserve players’ pay is reduced to PKR 5,000, down from the 2022 edition’s PKR 60,000 player match fee. The PCB official told ESPNcricinfo that despite the substantial cuts, financial constraints did not drive the decision.
The National T20 Cup begins on March 14 in three cities: Faisalabad, Lahore, and Multan, with 39 matches planned. Faisalabad will host the final on March 27. Some top-tier Pakistan cricketers, including Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, may miss the tournament due to their commitment to the national team’s tour of New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs during this time.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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