PCB agrees to meet players' demands; Babar Azam and Co. to earn extra income over central contract

Ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan players and the board have come to an agreement over the central contract. In the last four months, the players didn't sign the contract and weren't paid their salaries. Ahead of the upcoming tournament, it was rumored that the board doesn't want the players to sign the contract. Apparently, they were rumored to be waiting for the team's performance.

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However, before the team's arrival in India, the players have signed the contract. The players have been given a three-year contract. Notably, the England and Wales Cricket Board is also looking to offer a three-year contract. They want to ensure the talent drain comes under control. Meanwhile, PCB chief Zaka Ashraf has said that the board is committed to ensure player's financial health.

"This deal signifies our commitment to improving the financial health of our players, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to the game," Zaka Ashraf, the PCB management committee chairperson, said. "We firmly believe that a financially secure and motivated team is more likely to excel on the field.

"As we move forward, the entire nation stands behind these players to do well in the upcoming Men's ODI World Cup. We have faith in their abilities, and we are confident that they will make the nation proud with their outstanding performances."

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It's a historical deal: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has also praised the terms of the contract. He added that he is happy to see the players and the board reaching an agreement.

"It is by far a historic deal," Babar said. "I am extremely happy and satisfied that we have reached an agreement with the PCB. It has been a lengthy and, at times, challenging negotiation process, but I believe we have reached a fair and beneficial agreement for both parties."

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PCB Central Contract 2023-25

• Category A: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi
• Category B: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam Ul Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan
• Category C: Imad Wasim and Abdullah Shafique
• Category D: Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsan Ullah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmad, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan