PCB Faces Backlash for Unpaid Salaries of National Cricket Teams
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing criticism for failing to pay its players’ salaries for four months. The issue affects both the men’s and women’s national teams, including star players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi.
The men’s team, which recently awarded 25 senior players three-year contracts, has not received their salaries from July to October. According to reports, the contracts are under review due to the team’s poor performance. Despite repeated reminders, the players have been left waiting for their payments.
The women’s team, which is on a 23-month contract since August 2023, is also facing salary delays. Their contract was set to be reviewed after 12 months, but the process is still ongoing. The PCB has stated that the contracts will be offered with effect from July 1, 2024, once the lists are finalized and approved.
The salary delays have come at a crucial time for both teams. The men’s team is set to face England in a three-match Test series at home, starting October 7. The women’s team is currently in the United Arab Emirates for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which kicked off on October 3.
The PCB’s financial struggles have been attributed to a lack of sponsorship and revenue. The board has been criticized for its handling of the situation and for failing to prioritize the welfare of its players. The salary delays have raised concerns about the future of Pakistani cricket and the morale of the national teams.