PCB New Central Contract

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to offer significant benefits to players for the 2026-27 season as it considers historic changes to its central contract system. For the first time, the PCB will award central contracts based on player grades. Test cricketers stand to gain the most from this system, as the match fee for a single Test match will effectively double. Additionally, earnings will see a 500% increase upon winning an ICC trophy.

Media reports citing reliable sources indicate that the draft for these central contracts is being prepared under the supervision of Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and white-ball coach Mike Hesson. The initiative emphasizes prioritizing Test cricket, with special rewards designated for players competing in this format.

Double the fee for Test matches

According to reports citing sources, ‘A’ category players will receive 1.5 million Pakistani rupees per Test match; previously, they received 800,000 rupees. Test cricketers will now earn nearly double the fee. Before tax deductions, their monthly retainer will be around 4 million rupees.

The ‘B’ category is for white-ball cricketers, covering both ODI and T20 formats. The ‘C’ category will include players who participate only in T20 Internationals and franchise leagues.

500% increase upon winning the ICC trophy

Pakistan’s players stand to gain the most from winning an ICC trophy; players in the ‘Track A’ and ‘Track B’ categories will receive 500% of their match fees upon winning an ICC title. In contrast, winning the Asia Cup would yield a financial benefit of 300%. It has also been reported that the names of players awarded contracts by the Pakistan board will not be made public, although the board has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.