PCB to double Pakistani Test players’ fee in 2026-27 cycle:Board rejigs contracts, to set 500% bonus for winning ICC tournaments

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is going to make a big change in the 2026-27 Central Contract Cycle. In the new format-based contract system, the fees of players playing Test cricket will be doubled. The per Test match fee for Red-Ball Track-A players could increase from approximately 1.5 million Pakistani rupees (₹5,09,000) to around 4 million (₹13,58,000). According to the PCB, if the Pakistan team wins an ICC tournament, players will receive an additional bonus of 500% of their match fees. Meanwhile, a 300% bonus has been proposed for winning Asian-level tournaments like the Asia Cup. In addition to the bonus announcements, former captain of the Pakistan women’s team, Nida Dar, has announced her return to cricket. First time format-based contracts introduced in Pakistan cricket PCB has decided to implement format-based central contracts for the first time. Earlier, players were categorised into A, B, C, and D, but now they will be divided into different tracks based on their game. Track-A will include red-ball, i.e., Test players. Track-B will have players who play ODI and T20 international cricket. Track-C will primarily include players who play T20 and franchise cricket. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the new contracts have been prepared keeping in mind the needs of modern cricket. Players in A and B categories to gain most from new contracts According to the PCB, players who play both Test and white-ball formats will be included in both Track-A and Track-B. They will benefit the most. Such players can be retained for approximately 48 to 50 lakh Pakistani rupees (₹16,29,000 to 16,57,000) per month, in addition to match fees. Only ODI and T20 players included in Track-B are likely to receive a retainer of up to 18 lakh Pakistani rupees (₹6,11,000) per month. Meanwhile, T20 and franchise cricket players included in Track-C can be given 12 to 15 lakh Pakistani rupees (₹4,07,000 to ₹5,09,000). PCB has not yet clarified how many players will be given central contracts under the new system. Consideration of not making players’ names public PCB is also considering not making public the names of players who receive central contracts this time, nor their grades. If this happens, it will be the first time in Pakistan cricket. However, PCB has not yet made any official announcement in this regard. Emphasis on domestic cricket and data-driven selection Mohsin Naqvi has stated that it will be mandatory for all players to play domestic cricket. If a player wants a central contract, they will have to participate in domestic cricket in all formats. He also said that the grade stage of players’ contracts will only be based on selection performance and meeting fitness standards. To improve selection, 85% importance will now be given to data analysis and 15% to selectors’ recommendations. Increased role of former players in advisory panel The PCB chairman also stated that he wants to involve more former players in cricket matters. Currently, his advisory group includes former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed. Naqvi said that he wants to include three to four more former international players in the advisory panel to leverage more cricketing experience in matters such as the national team, domestic cricket, and captaincy. The names of Younis Khan and Mohammad Hafeez are also being mentioned as potential advisors. Nida Dar ready for comeback after a year Meanwhile, former Pakistan women’s team captain Nida Dar has announced her return to cricket. The 39-year-old Nida had taken an indefinite break from cricket in April 2025, citing mental health reasons. Nida, who has played 112 ODIs and 160 T20 Internationals, said on social media that she is now available for the Pakistan team again and is ready to give her best when the team needs her. Nida last played for Pakistan in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Later, she was excluded from PCB’s central contract list. After the 2023 T20 World Cup, she was given the team’s captaincy, but before the 2024 T20 World Cup, Fatima Sana was made captain in her place.