Pakistan cricket suffered a double blow as all 50 of its players—45 men and 5 women—went unsold in The Hundred draft, raising concerns over the value and perception of Pakistan cricketers in global franchise cricket. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced drastic cost-cutting measures, including slashing match fees for domestic cricketers, further deepening the financial crisis surrounding the sport in the country.
No Buyers for Pakistan Players in The Hundred
The Hundred draft saw no takers for Pakistan’s top cricketers. Imad Wasim, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali remained unsold despite their T20 prowess. Fast bowler Naseem Shah entered the draft with the highest reserve price among Pakistani players, but no team picked him.
In the women’s category, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Yusra Amir, Iram Javed, and Jaweria Rauf also failed to attract interest. The snubs came amid tough competition and limited slots for overseas players in the tournament. While Pakistan’s stars remained on the sidelines, Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad secured a deal with Manchester Originals, and New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell joined Southern Brave. Former Australian cricketer David Warner found a team as London Spirit snapped him up.
The exclusion of Pakistani players raises questions about their marketability in global leagues. Several factors could have contributed to their omission, including scheduling conflicts, performance concerns, or geopolitical issues. However, the lack of Pakistani representation in one of the world’s premier T20 leagues remains a major talking point.
PCB Implements Drastic Cost-Cutting Measures
As Pakistan players faced rejection in The Hundred, the PCB implemented severe budget cuts in domestic cricket, shocking cricketers and stakeholders. The board reduced match fees for players in the upcoming National T20 Championship from 100,000 rupees per match to just 10,000. Reserve players now receive a mere 5,000 per match.
The tournament, scheduled to begin on March 14, will see domestic cricketers earn significantly less than before, making it harder for them to sustain themselves financially. The reduction has sparked widespread concern among players, who now question the board’s commitment to domestic cricket development.
Sources within the PCB suggest that Abdullah Khurrum Niazi, the head of domestic cricket, has been actively reducing facilities for domestic players over the past few months. The cutbacks include shifting players from five-star and four-star hotels to cheaper accommodations, limiting air travel for players, and delaying outstanding payments from the previous season.
Players Struggle While Officials Enjoy High Salaries
Many within Pakistan cricket circles have criticized the PCB for cutting costs at the expense of players while continuing to pay hefty salaries to officials and national selectors. While domestic cricketers suffer wage reductions, officials making these decisions reportedly earn millions in monthly salaries.
Adding to the frustration, former Test cricketers still await an annual pension increase mandated by board policy. Despite numerous promises, the PCB has failed to implement the increase, leaving retired players struggling for financial security.
At the same time, the PCB continues to pay large salaries to selectors and mentors associated with five teams in the recently concluded Champions Cup. The irony has not been lost on players, who believe the board’s financial mismanagement has contributed to the current crisis.
Financial Instability Threatens Pakistan Cricket
The recent developments highlight Pakistan cricket’s growing financial instability. The board’s inability to manage its finances effectively has resulted in cost-cutting measures that directly impact players, umpires, and domestic cricket infrastructure. With outstanding payments still pending from last season, the trust between the board and the players continues to erode.
The reduction in match fees forces domestic cricketers to reconsider their careers, as financial insecurity threatens their ability to focus on the game. Many players may now explore opportunities in other countries’ domestic leagues, further weakening Pakistan’s domestic structure.
Future Implications for Pakistan Cricket
The dual setbacks of unsold players in The Hundred and drastic budget cuts in domestic cricket raise serious concerns about Pakistan’s cricketing future. The lack of representation in international leagues diminishes the country’s influence in global cricket, while PCB’s financial struggles hinder player development at home.
If the PCB fails to address these issues, Pakistan cricket could face long-term consequences. Lower domestic salaries may discourage young talent from pursuing professional cricket, leading to a decline in quality. Moreover, international leagues may continue to overlook Pakistani players, further limiting their exposure and experience at the highest level.
The PCB must take immediate action to restore financial stability and rebuild confidence among players. Transparency in financial management, fair treatment of domestic cricketers, and strategic efforts to improve Pakistan players’ marketability in international leagues should become top priorities. Without urgent reforms, Pakistan cricket risks falling further behind its global counterparts.
