PCB Slashes National T20 Cup Match Fees by 75%

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has drastically reduced match fees for players participating in the upcoming National T20 Cup, a move that has sparked widespread criticism from players and fans alike. Cricketers will now receive just Rs. 10,000 per match, a staggering 75% decrease from the previous season’s Rs.  40,000. Reserve players will earn just Rs. 5,000 per match.

This marks a significant decline from 2022 when players were paid Rs. 60,000 per match for the same tournament. The decision has left many questioning the PCB’s priorities, especially given the board’s recent high-profile expenditures.

According to a PCB official, the drastic cut in match fees is not due to financial constraints but rather a result of the increased number of tournaments in the domestic calendar. The board argues that players now have more earning opportunities throughout the season, including the Champions T20 Cup, which debuted in December 2024 with a five-team format.

Additionally, the PCB highlighted that many players are employed by departments that pay them monthly salaries for tournaments like the President’s Trophy. The board believes that, despite the reduced match fees, players’ overall earnings have increased compared to previous seasons.

The decision to slash match fees stands in stark contrast to the PCB’s recent spending spree under chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Since taking charge, Naqvi has overseen expensive stadium upgrades, hired foreign coaches on lucrative contracts, and introduced five mentors earning Rs. 5 million per month each for a one-day domestic tournament with prize money increased tenfold.

The National T20 Cup, set to begin on March 14, will feature 39 matches across Faisalabad, Lahore, and Multan, with the final scheduled for March 27 in Faisalabad. However, several leading Pakistan international players will be absent due to the national team’s tour of New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs.