The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently facing scrutiny over player payments, but they reviewed men’s team cuts following public outcry. However, pay cuts in domestic women’s cricket have gone largely unnoticed, and many domestic women cricketers in Pakistan continue to face financial struggles.
The PCB recently expanded central contracts from 79 to 90 players, citing a goal to develop talent and encourage young cricketers. However, the cricket board reduced in-hand pay for players instead of improving financial security, with several leaving the system within two years due to inadequate earnings.
Pakistan’s Domestic Women Cricketers To Earn Less Than National Minimum Wage After PCB’s Brutal Move
According to a report by Cricbuzz, domestic women cricketers in Pakistan receive monthly retainers of PKR 35,000 (approximately USD 125), which is lower than the country’s minimum wage for unskilled laborers (PKR 37,000).
The PCB has reduced women’s match fees from PKR 25,000 to PKR 20,000 without any public announcement. This came after criticism of the board for slashing domestic men’s cricketers’ match fees by 75% during the National T20 Cup.
“Players were given monthly retainers worth Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 35,000 (approx USD 125), which is less than the mandated minimum pay for unskilled labourers in Pakistan, which stands at PKR 37,000,” it is written in a report by Cricbuzz.
How Can Pakistan’s Domestic Women Cricketers Earn the Maximum Per Season?
Pakistan’s international players, like Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, despite being key members of the national team, were left out of central contracts and placed on domestic contracts instead. The PCB delayed issuing central contracts by 10 months, while domestic contracts were nearly nine months late.
In its press release, the board claimed, “With the announcement of the 12-month retainers, the PCB aims to expand the talent pool in women’s game at the grassroots level and also to inspire the young players to take up the sport as professionals.”
Players can only compete for a maximum of 31 days per season across three domestic tournaments. Even if they participate in every match and reach the finals, their total earnings—including retainers and match fees—amount to just PKR 1,040,000 (USD 3,700).
However, those not in the playing XI receive only PKR 10,000 per match. With professional training, diet, and fitness expenses reaching up to PKR 600,000 per year, many players struggle to sustain their careers, forcing them to compromise on their development.
Living in Pakistan, Not Everyone Can Afford a Professional Athlete’s Life – Domestic Player
The lack of investment in women’s cricket in Pakistan has led to limited resources, impacting player fitness and development. Many domestic cricketers struggle to afford essential aspects of a professional athlete’s life, such as personal trainers and specialized diets.
As one of the domestic players reveals, “Living in Pakistan, not everyone can afford a professional athlete life. It’s up to you how well you manage your cricket training within the means that you have. I end up spending approximately PKR 400,000 on my cricket, but I can’t afford a personal trainer.”
Also read: IPL 2025: BCCI FORCED to reconsider ‘family diktat’ after Virat Kohli’s open criticism
