A Shift Toward Format-Based Compensation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to overhaul its player compensation structure for the 2026-27 cycle, introducing format-based central contracts for the first time. The new system, finalized by a committee including white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, aims to provide targeted rewards based on a player's role and performance across different formats of the game.

Prioritizing Red-Ball Cricket

Under the new structure, the PCB has placed a significant emphasis on rewarding players who regularly feature in Test cricket. Players placed in the newly introduced Track A (red-ball category) are expected to see the most substantial benefits. According to a reliable PCB source, match fees for these players are expected to rise to approximately 1.5 million PKR, a sharp increase from the previous 800,000 PKR.

Furthermore, the monthly retainers for Track A players are projected to be in the range of 4 million PKR before taxes. Those who excel across both Track A (Test) and Track B (white-ball) categories will be the highest earners, with monthly retainers potentially reaching between 4.8 and 5 million PKR.

Performance-Based Bonuses and Incentives

To motivate the squad for global success, the PCB has proposed aggressive performance-based incentives. The most notable highlight is a massive bonus for winning a global title. "Players will receive a 500 percent bonus on their match fees if Pakistan wins an ICC tournament," the source revealed.

Regional success is also highly valued, with players set to receive a 300 percent bonus on match fees for winning an Asian-level event, such as the Asia Cup.

Tiered Contract Categories

The new system divides players into three distinct tracks to ensure fair compensation based on their utility to the national team:

• Track A: Focused on Test cricket (Highest retainer and match fee potential).
• Track B: Focused on ODIs and T20Is, with monthly retainers expected up to 1.8 million PKR.
• Track C: Reserved for players involved only in T20 cricket and franchise leagues, with monthly retainers ranging from 1.2 million to 1.5 million PKR.

Controversy Over Transparency

Despite the financial incentives, the PCB is considering a controversial move: keeping the names and specific categories of centrally contracted players private. If implemented, this would be a first for Pakistan cricket and has already drawn criticism from various quarters regarding transparency and accountability.

As of now, the PCB has not yet announced the total number of players who will be granted central contracts under this new tiered system.