The loss of interest of young cricketers in Test cricket has been an issue for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the past few years. To garner the interest of the players, PCB is considering a pay hike for the national Test cricketers.
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PCB chief selector, Mohammad Wasim, said that PCB is considering several options to attract youngsters towards red-ball cricket. Wasim said that financial incentive is one main area that will ensure the progress of Test cricket in the country.
“It is a trend that is visible not only in Pakistan but in other cricket playing nations as well,” Wasim said.
“The PCB is very keen to focus on improving our Test team and to ensure young players show more interest in red-ball cricket, and financial incentives are under consideration,” he added.
Compared to the rest of the cricketing nations, Pakistani players earn less money, which has prompted them to play franchise T20 leagues.
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Wasim said that PCB had discussions with the players and all the parties agreed that the difference in pay between white-ball cricket and Test cricket is significant. He ensured that the PCB is looking to reduce the gap, and the players should earn around the same amount in all the formats.
The difference in pay is staggering. A player can earn around Rs. 16 million by playing in a franchise T20 league but can only earn around Rs. 4 million for three to four Test matches.
Wasim said that several cricket boards have already increased the pay and have offered incentives to their Test cricketers.
