By Zainab Shafiq 
The salaries of Pakistani cricketers are set for a substantial boost as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) increases its central contract budget by a whopping 37%, allocating approximately Rs 1.173 billion for the 2025–26 cycle. This marks the largest jump in recent years, with the number of contracted players also increasing from 25 to 30, signalling a stronger commitment to elite-level talent.
At the same time, the PCB appears to be tightening its belt on men’s domestic contracts, proposing a 34% reduction in that segment, from Rs 684 million to Rs 450 million. Despite this cut, the overall financial framework suggests a major push towards elite player support and infrastructure development.
Women’s Cricket and Ground Infrastructure Get a Boost
It’s not just the salaries of Pakistani cricketers in the men’s team seeing positive changes. Women’s cricket is getting long-overdue attention. The number of centrally contracted female players will jump from 16 to 24, and their collective salary pool will grow by an impressive 121%, from Rs 31.2 million to Rs 69 million. Domestic women’s contracts also receive a slight increase, with Rs 37.2 million earmarked for the upcoming year.
On the ground, literally, the PCB plans to take control of 12 more first-class venues, directing Rs 93.6 million toward pitch preparation and maintenance. These upgrades will be executed by newly appointed technical staff aimed at raising the bar in domestic competitions.
PSL 11 Budget in the Works, PCB Eyes Rs 2.5 Billion Surplus
In addition to raising salaries of Pakistani cricketers, the board has earmarked Rs 6 billion for ongoing renovations at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. These upgrades are expected to modernise the venues ahead of international fixtures and Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.
Preparations for the PSL 11 budget are also underway, while the overall financial health of the PCB remains strong, with a projected surplus of Rs 2.5 billion, indicating robust revenue management despite economic challenges.
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