Mohsin Naqvi Turns Saviour For Pakistan Domestic Cricketers; Blocks Proposed Pay Cuts

Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, has turned savior for the domestic cricketers of Pakistan, as he has reportedly blocked the proposed pay cuts for them for the upcoming National T20 Cup.

On March 14, the National T20 Cup will get underway, with 39 games played in Faisalabad, Lahore, and Multan. Notably, the final is scheduled for March 27 in Faisalabad. Due to their trip to New Zealand for a series of three ODIs and five T20Is, several of Pakistan's best cricket players will not be able to participate in the competition.

PCB reduces Pakistan domestic players’ pay for National T20 Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to reduce match fees for players in the upcoming National T20 Cup. The proposal was to cut the pay from PKR 40,000 to PKR 10,000 per match. The reason cited was an increase in domestic tournaments as the reason.

Players and other interested parties reacted negatively to this, voicing worries about the financial toll on domestic cricket players.

75 per cent fees slashed

Compared to the previous edition, the new match cost is 75% lower. The drop is even more pronounced than it was in 2022, when players were paid PKR 60,000 per match. This edition's reserve players will only get PKR 5,000 per game.

Due to an extended domestic calendar, which included the Champions T20 Cup in December 2024 with five teams, the PCB believes that players now have more earning chances.

First-class and 50-over events are played in the same five-team format. For competitions like the President's Trophy, departmental teams pay many players a monthly salary. The board felt that the reduction in match fees does not necessarily result in a decrease in overall earnings.

Mohsin Naqvi reverses the decision of PCB to reduce the domestic cricketers’ pay

The Director of Domestic Cricket has been instructed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to ensure that player compensation in the National T20 Tournament is not reduced. The chairman's intervention was confirmed by Sohail Imran, the sports correspondent for Geo TV.

"PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi intervened to stop the reduction in match fees for domestic cricketers in the National T20 Tournament and ordered an immediate review of the fees," Sohail Imran wrote on X.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi intervened to stop the reduction in match fees for domestic cricketers in the National T20 Tournament and ordered an immediate review of the fees.

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) March 13, 2025

With Mohsin Naqvi stepping in, there is now a possibility that domestic players' match fees will be reviewed. The board may overturn the significant pay cut.

Also Read: Bangladesh In Shock As Star All-rounder Calls Time On International Career