PCB slammed for pay cuts; players withdraw from T20 Championship
What's the story
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under fire for slashing the match fees of players in the National T20 Championship.
The decision raised questions over the board's financial health.
Meanwhile, star players Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have opted out of the tournament, citing workload management and international commitments.
Now, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has ordered a review of the controversial decision amid widespread backlash from cricket enthusiasts and analysts.
Here are further details.
Financial cuts
Fee reductions and their impact on domestic cricket
The PCB's domestic department introduced the fee cuts, which have been widely criticized.
Other cost-cutting measures are also affecting domestic cricket, according to reports by PTI, including lower hotel and travel standards and the termination of player contracts.
Times of India's PCB sources revealed that these reductions were required as new domestic events were added this season that weren't budgeted for initially.
Operational challenges
PCB's domestic operations under scrutiny
The PCB's domestic operations have come under fire after the National Under-19 Championship was abruptly halted over over-age players and selection issues.
Meanwhile, the National Junior Championship, a key platform for emerging talent, is yet to be scheduled.
As mentioned, amid these challenges, Babar and Naseem Shah have opted out of the National T20 Championship citing workload management and international commitments as their reasons for withdrawal.
Player priorities
Babar Azam's absence raises questions
Babar's absence from the National T20 Championship has raised eyebrows, particularly since he was initially slated to play alongside Muhammad Rizwan and Naseem.
Insiders claim that this decision could be motivated by the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), which kicks off in mid-April.
Players like Babar and Naseem could be focusing on their PSL performances, knowing that strong showings could guarantee their return to the national T20 squad.
Fee reduction
PCB cuts match fees for upcoming National T20 Championship
Reportedly, the PCB has slashed match fees of players in the National T20 Championship from 100,000 Pakistani Rupees per match to 10,000 rupees per match.
Reserve players will now get 5,000 rupees per match.
Despite these cuts and unpaid dues from last season, PCB administrators continue to draw high salaries.
The board is still waiting for clarification from ICC for not having their representative on stage for the closing ceremony of the Champions Trophy in Dubai.