Cricket news

PCB awards contracts, Pakistani women cricketers face pay cuts and limited playing opportunities

Despite an increase in domestic contracts, Pakistan’s women cricketers continue to face low wages and limited earning opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2025

Javed Rasheedi

Pakistan Cricket, PCB, Women's Cricket, Equal Pay, Cricket News, Gender Pay Gap, Sports Equality, Pay Parity, Cricket Updates, Women in Sports, Cricket Pakistan, Women Athletes, Cricket Contracts, PCB Controversy, Sports Finance, Women Empowerment, Cricket Development, Cricket Governance, Female Cricketers, Wage Disparity in Sports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced domestic contracts for 90 women cricketers for the 2024-25 season, increasing the number of contracted players from 79 last season. However, despite the rise in contracts, the financial compensation for players remains alarmingly low.

Low retainers and match fees spark concerns

The newly announced contracts include 10 capped national players, 62 emerging players, and 18 Under-19 players. However, the retainers for these cricketers stand at just PKR 35,000 (approximately USD 125) per month—below Pakistan’s minimum wage for unskilled laborers (PKR 37,000). Additionally, the match fee for domestic games remains at PKR 20,000 (USD 71), with players reportedly not receiving daily allowances this season.

While PCB claims that these contracts aim to “expand the talent pool” and “inspire young players,” financial constraints continue to push players away from the domestic circuit within a short span.

Limited earning potential for domestic cricketers

Despite the increase in contracts, the earning opportunities for Pakistan’s women cricketers remain minimal. The maximum amount a fully active domestic player can earn in a season—including match fees and retainers—is PKR 1,040,000 (USD 3,700). However, players who do not make the playing XI earn only PKR 10,000 (USD 35) per match.

With cricket-related expenses, including personal trainers and diet management, estimated at PKR 600,000 annually, many players struggle to afford essential facilities for their professional development. As one player stated, “Living in Pakistan, not everyone can afford a professional athlete life… I spend PKR 400,000 on my cricket, but I can’t afford a personal trainer.”

PCB’s spending on women’s cricket raises questions

Under the current administration, PCB had announced an increase in investment for women’s cricket from PKR 70 million to PKR 240 million. However, this investment has not translated into significant improvements in earnings or infrastructure for women’s cricket.

Comparisons with other cricket boards highlight the disparity. Cricket Australia, which earns only slightly more from the International Cricket Council (ICC) than PCB, ensures that domestic players earn an average of USD 96,000 annually. Even New Zealand Cricket, which earns less from ICC revenue than PCB, offers better salaries, with the lowest-paid domestic player making USD 11,000—nearly three times more than the highest-earning Pakistani domestic cricketer.

In India, even the lowest-paid player in the Women’s Premier League earns INR 10 lakh (USD 11,500) for a three-week tournament, while top players can earn up to INR 2 crore (USD 230,500).

Gender pay gap in PCB’s structure

While women’s cricket remains underfunded, male domestic cricketers in Pakistan earn significantly higher wages. A player featuring in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match receives PKR 200,000 (USD 715) per game. A “Grade A” contracted male domestic cricketer earns PKR 550,000 (USD 2,000) per month, while even the lowest-tier male contract offers PKR 250,000 (USD 890) per month.

Revised figures shared on social media suggest that PCB’s expenditure on match fees for senior and Under-19 men’s cricketers alone stands at USD 390,361—far exceeding the entire budget for women’s cricket (USD 250,060) from the previous season.

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Who is Sahil Parakh? Teenager makes IPL debut for Delhi Capitals vs RCB

Sahil Parakh, an 18-year-old batter from Maharashtra, made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals against RCB in IPL 2026.

Published

1 week ago

April 27, 2026

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Sahil Parakh, an emerging batter from Maharashtra, made his Indian Premier League debut for Delhi Capitals during their 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

The 18-year-old was handed his maiden cap as the franchise made changes to its playing XI, looking to test fresh talent in a crucial stage of the tournament.

Opens innings alongside KL Rahul

Parakh was included as an opening batter and partnered experienced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul at the top. The move reflected Delhi Capitals’ intent to experiment with their batting combination and give exposure to young players in high-pressure games.

Short stay at the crease

The debut outing did not last long for the youngster, as he was dismissed early in the innings. Despite the brief appearance, the opportunity marked an important milestone in his career.

Promising name from domestic circuit

Parakh is a left-handed batter who has impressed in age-group and domestic cricket, earning attention for his performances at the state level. His selection in the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026 underlines the franchise’s focus on nurturing young talent for the future.

Cricket news

Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 14, 2026

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

Maintaining a disciplined line and length
Ability to generate movement off the pitch
Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

Cricket news

At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 14, 2026

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.