The deadlock between the Pakistan players and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over new central contracts continues as no mutual agreement has been reached. As a result, players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammed Rizwan, and others will be participating in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 without a central contract.
The previous PCB central contracts expired on June 30, and the players have demanded changes in terms and conditions for renewal. However, it is expected that both the PCB and players will eventually find common ground before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
The players have specifically demanded an increase in their pay, as they feel it is considerably low compared to other cricketers. The negotiations have been delayed due to the Pakistan cricket team’s ongoing tour of Sri Lanka for a two-Test series, and several big names will also participate in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023.
Following the LPL, the Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to take place, further complicating negotiations. The tournament will be hosted across Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
In the meantime, PCB chief Zaka Ashraf has asked officials to consider the players’ demands and may consider increasing salaries and match fees and introducing various insurance policies for players if deemed fair.
