The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially entered a new era of player remuneration, marked by a radical shift in how the nation’s top cricketers are compensated. For the 2025-2026 international season, the board has implemented a “performance-linked” structure that effectively dismantles the long-standing hierarchy of Pakistan cricket.
The most striking development in the 2025-2026 contracts, which became effective July 1, 2025, is the total abolition of Category A. Previously the exclusive home of the team’s biggest stars, its removal sends a clear message regarding the board’s expectations following a period of inconsistent international results.
The New Monthly Retainer Structure (2025-2026)
With Category A removed, the 30 centrally contracted players are now divided equally across Categories B, C, and D. Each category contains 10 players, with the following monthly retainer figures:
| Category | Monthly Retainer (PKR) | Notable Players |
|---|---|---|
| Category B | 3.0 Million | Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman |
| Category C | 2.5 Million | Naseem Shah, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Sajid Khan |
| Category D | 1.5 Million | Shan Masood, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Ahmed Daniyal |
The demotion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Category A to B was the headline-grabbing move of the 2025 cycle. While Category B players receive a monthly salary of PKR 3 million, this represents a stagnation for the former Category A stars who previously earned PKR 4.5 million. Conversely, players promoted into Category B from lower tiers saw a salary jump of approximately 144%.
Massive Hikes in International Match Fees
To incentivize participation in the longest format and reward on-field performance, the PCB has introduced substantial increases to match fees for the 2025-2026 season. These changes are designed to bridge the gap between domestic earnings and the lucrative potential of global T20 leagues.
The new match fee structure is as follows:
- Test Matches: A 50% increase, now standing at PKR 1.25 million per match.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): A 25% increase, rising to PKR 644,620 per match.
- T20 Internationals: A 12.5% increase, totaling PKR 418,584 per match.
These hikes ensure that a regular Test starter can significantly outearn limited-overs specialists, reflecting the PCB’s strategic priority to revive Pakistan’s fortunes in red-ball cricket.
Roster Overhaul: Promoted, Demoted, and Dropped
The 2025-2026 contract list expanded the pool from 27 to 30 players, featuring 12 new entrants. Among the most notable returns is Fakhar Zaman, who regained his spot in Category B after being omitted from the previous cycle. Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas also made a high-profile return to the contract list after a five-year absence, finding a place in Category D.
Several young performers were rewarded for their consistency. Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan all earned promotions from Category C to B.
However, the new cycle was not without its casualties. Eight players were dropped entirely, including Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Ali, and Usman Khan. Furthermore, Test captain Shan Masood suffered a significant demotion, moving from Category B down to Category D.
Domestic Contract Revolution
The PCB’s reform extends deep into the domestic circuit. For the 2025-2026 season, the board expanded domestic contracts to 157 players. This new structure replaces the old A, B, and C tiers with a four-category system labeled DC1, DC2, DC3, and DC4.
This expansion aims to provide a more stable professional pathway for emerging talent, although it has not been without controversy. In early 2025, the board faced intense backlash for attempting to slash domestic T20 match fees to as low as PKR 10,000. Public outcry and player discontent eventually forced the PCB to revise these fees upward to PKR 40,000 for the National T20 Championship.
Financial Disputes and Contractual Tension
The transition to the 2025-2026 structure was plagued by administrative and financial friction. In late 2024, reports surfaced that several top-tier players, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, had gone four months without receiving their monthly retainers or their share of sponsorship revenue. The PCB attributed these delays to administrative bottlenecks and pending ICC revenue shares.
Further complicating the board’s financial narrative was a legal dispute with former red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie. In early 2025, Gillespie initiated legal action over alleged unpaid bonuses and salary arrears following his resignation in December 2024. The PCB countered by claiming Gillespie had breached his contract by failing to serve the required notice period.
Historical Comparison: 2024-2025 vs. 2025-2026
To understand the scale of the recent changes, one must look at the 2024-2025 figures. During that cycle, Category A was the pinnacle of the system, offering PKR 4.5 million plus an ICC revenue share of PKR 2.07 million, totaling roughly PKR 6.57 million monthly.
| Feature | 2024-2025 Season | 2025-2026 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier Retainer | PKR 4.5M (Category A) | PKR 3.0M (Category B) |
| Lowest Tier Retainer | PKR 0.75M (Category D) | PKR 1.5M (Category D) |
| Test Match Fee | PKR 1,257,795 | PKR 1,250,000 |
| Contracted Players | 25-27 Players | 30 Players |
| Category A Status | Active | Abolished |
The removal of the top tier effectively “capped” the monthly base salary at PKR 3 million, forcing senior players to rely more heavily on match fees and performance bonuses. This shift is widely viewed as a move to ensure that high salaries are earned through active participation and success on the field rather than historical reputation.
As the 2025-2026 season progresses, the impact of these “Performance-First” contracts will be closely monitored. With higher match fees for Tests and a broader domestic base, the PCB hopes this financial restructuring will finally translate into the trophy-winning consistency that has eluded the national side in recent years.