Why Pakistani Players Want PCB Category C Central Contracts
Several Pakistan cricketers want PCB Category C contracts because the category carries no restrictions on playing in overseas leagues — a freedom worth crores in franchise earnings.
According to a report by Saleem Khaliq, citing sources, these players have assured the authorities that they will remain available to represent Pakistan in any format whenever required, even as they seek greater freedom to play abroad. The final decision, however, rests with the PCB.
PCB Category C contracts offer maximum league freedom
Under the proposed system, Test players will not be granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues, although they will be allowed to play red-ball county cricket and other forms of the game. Players in other categories will be allowed to play only a limited number of overseas leagues. Category C players, by contrast, will face no such restrictions.
The PCB’s new framework describes Track C as a category for dedicated short-format players, with the greatest freedom to pursue franchise cricket around their national commitments. T20 specialists will receive a monthly retainer of Rs 2.6 million or Rs 2 million, depending on their tier, while Category C match fees will be Rs 500,000 per ODI or T20 International and Rs 700,000 per Test.
The numbers explain the attraction. The highest monthly retainer under the proposed contracts is Rs 4.8 million, or Rs 57.6 million a year; with match fees, a leading player could earn Rs 80 million to Rs 90 million annually. Franchise cricket can pay much more: Saim Ayub reportedly earned Rs 126 million in a single PSL season, while players in overseas leagues could earn more than Rs 200 million to Rs 220 million a year. A cap on foreign leagues could therefore cost players heavily.
Contracts still not announced after England whitewash
The new central contracts will cover the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, but they have yet to be announced. The process stalled after Pakistan’s poor showing on the tour of England, which ended in a whitewash.
Head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors want to assess performances in the ongoing home season — including the current ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England — before finalising the list. Changes to the preliminary list of 30 players are likely, with Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood reportedly at greater risk of being dropped.
Players in the senior categories A, AB, BC and C must play at least four Tests, six ODIs or six T20 Internationals in a year. Category D, reserved for emerging cricketers, is exempt from this requirement. All players must also take part in domestic cricket in their respective formats.
A familiar tension in world cricket
The pull between national duty and franchise money is not unique to Pakistan. Earlier this year, New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell took a casual contract to chase Big Bash opportunities, showing how boards everywhere are adjusting to the franchise era.
For the PCB, the challenge is balance. It needs its best players available for Pakistan, but blocking them from leagues entirely could push talent away. Category C looks like the board’s answer: lower retainers, full freedom, and national availability on demand.
Whether the board grants the players’ wish will become clear when the contracts are finally announced.
FAQ
Why do Pakistani players want Category C central contracts?
Because Category C carries no restrictions on playing overseas T20 leagues, while other categories face caps or bans. The franchise earnings can far exceed the PCB retainer.
How much can players earn from overseas leagues?
Saim Ayub reportedly earned Rs 126 million in one PSL season, while players in overseas leagues could earn more than Rs 200 million to Rs 220 million a year — well above the maximum Rs 57.6 million annual PCB retainer.
When will the new PCB central contracts be announced?
They have not been announced yet. The contracts cover July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, but the process stalled after Pakistan’s whitewash in England, and the PCB wants to assess home-season performances first.
Which players are at risk of being dropped?
Changes to the preliminary 30-player list are likely, with Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood reportedly at greater risk.
What are the eligibility rules for senior categories?
Players in categories A, AB, BC and C must play at least four Tests, six ODIs or six T20 Internationals in a year, and must take part in domestic cricket in their formats. Category D, for emerging players, is exempt.
