Rashid Latif Calls Out PCB for Underpaying Players

The issue of low compensation for Pakistani cricketers has resurfaced once again with former captain Rashid Latif serving as the leading voice at the forefront, especially after recent comparisons with the remuneration structures in other major cricketing nations.

The disparity in pay has raised questions about equity and the valuation of Pakistani players, who are competing at the highest level of the sport but earning considerably less than their counterparts in countries like India, Australia, and England.

In the latest central contracts issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), top-tier players, including Babar Azam and new white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, reportedly earn significantly less than players at comparable levels in other cricket boards.

For instance, a top-tier player in India or Australia is earning several times more in guaranteed salary and match fees compared to a Pakistani cricketer. Furthermore, while players from the “Big Three” cricketing nations enjoy lucrative franchise deals in leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistani players have been barred from participating due to geopolitical issues, cutting off another major income stream.

Rashid Latif shared a graphic on his social media profile highlighting that Pakitan has fallen behind even the likes of Ireland when it comes to the revenue-sharing model.

Pakistan Cricketers Grossly Underpaid & We Want Their Performance To Be World Equal pic.twitter.com/o2etBFlzgH

— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) November 1, 2024

This pay disparity has prompted frustrations among former players, who argue that the players deserve a larger piece of the pie as they are the main marketing point.

The PCB has made efforts to address the issue by restructuring central contracts and enhancing incentives, but critics argue that these measures have not sufficiently bridged the gap. The situation is further complicated by Pakistan’s smaller cricketing revenue pool, limiting the PCB’s ability to offer salaries on par with the Big Three.

While there have been no rumblings from the players themselves, PCB could be heading for a disaster if they start asking for a bigger share.