Pakistan Cricket Board Slashes Players’ Match Fees Amid Financial Setback from Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a major decision to slash players’ match fees for the upcoming National T20 Cup by a staggering 75%. This move comes in the wake of significant financial losses incurred during the Champions Trophy 2025. Reports suggest that one of the primary reasons for PCB’s financial woes was India’s decision to play all their matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan, leading to a loss worth billions.
Drastic Reduction in Players’ Match Fees
According to reports, the PCB has drastically reduced the match fees for domestic cricketers. Players participating in the National T20 Cup will now receive only PKR 10,000 (around INR 3,000) per match, a sharp decline from the previous season’s PKR 40,000 (approximately INR 12,000). Meanwhile, reserve players will get only PKR 5,000 (around INR 1,500) per match. Just three years ago, the match fees were as high as PKR 60,000 (approximately INR 19,000), showcasing the severe financial constraints the PCB is facing.
This decision directly contradicts the previous statements made by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who had earlier promised substantial investments in cricket infrastructure and player development.
Massive Financial Losses from Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan was initially set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, marking the first ICC event in the country in nearly three decades. However, security concerns led India to refuse to play in Pakistan, resulting in their matches, including the final, being relocated to Dubai. This unexpected change inflicted a massive financial blow to the PCB, reportedly causing a loss of approximately PKR 195 crore (around INR 60.7 crore).
The board had heavily invested in renovating stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in anticipation of hosting the entire tournament. However, with fewer high-profile matches taking place in Pakistan, ticket sales dropped significantly, leading to a substantial revenue shortfall. Additionally, several matches were affected by rain, further contributing to financial losses as ticket refunds had to be issued.
Why PCB Slashed Domestic Players’ Earnings
In response to mounting financial difficulties, PCB has taken cost-cutting measures, with domestic cricket bearing the brunt. Despite the drastic reduction in match fees, a PCB official clarified that the decision wasn’t solely due to financial constraints. Instead, the board believes that players now have increased earning opportunities due to a busier domestic calendar featuring multiple tournaments such as the President’s Trophy, where they receive a monthly salary.
However, this reasoning has done little to alleviate the concerns of many domestic cricketers, who primarily rely on these tournaments for their livelihood. For many, the sharp reduction in earnings threatens their financial stability, raising concerns about the future of Pakistan’s domestic cricket system.
National T20 Cup 2025: Tournament Details
The National T20 Cup 2025 is scheduled to commence on March 14 and will be held across three cities: Faisalabad, Lahore, and Multan. A total of 39 matches will take place, with the final set to be played on March 27 in Faisalabad. The tournament is expected to be a key platform for domestic cricketers aiming to make their mark, despite the reduced financial incentives.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s national team has already left for New Zealand, where they will play a five-match T20 series followed by three ODIs. The series is expected to be crucial for Pakistan’s preparations ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Impact on Pakistan’s Cricketing Future
The PCB’s decision to reduce match fees could have long-term implications on the country’s domestic cricket structure. While top-tier international players may not feel the pinch, emerging domestic cricketers who depend on these tournaments for financial support are likely to struggle. The reduction in financial rewards might also discourage young talents from pursuing a professional cricketing career, ultimately affecting Pakistan’s cricketing pipeline.
As the National T20 Cup 2025 gets underway, all eyes will be on how players and stakeholders react to this controversial decision by the PCB. Whether this move proves to be a necessary step in financial restructuring or a detrimental blow to domestic cricket remains to be seen.
