LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approved an increase in match fees for national team players as part of a series of landmark decisions aimed at strengthening the country’s cricket structure.
The decisions were made during the 84th meeting of the PCB Board of Governors, chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The board unanimously approved the surplus budget for the 2026–27 financial year as well as the budget for the 12th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Among the key decisions, the board approved a significant increase in funding for domestic cricket, raising the allocation from Rs3 billion to Rs4 billion. It also endorsed a new central contract framework and payment structure for national players, along with higher match fees for the Pakistan men’s team.
Domestic cricketers received the biggest financial relief under the new budget. Match fees for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy players have been increased from Rs30,000 to Rs100,000, while reserve players will now earn Rs50,000 per match, up from Rs15,000.
The PCB also approved an increase in the minimum salary for regional ground staff to Rs42,000 per month.
To improve cricket infrastructure, the board allocated Rs6.7 billion for the upgrade of the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi and other venues across the country. Funding was also approved to activate 12 additional cricket grounds nationwide.
The Lahore High Performance Centre will receive new biomechanics equipment to assess players’ fitness and bowling actions, while dedicated funding has also been approved for women’s One-Day and T20 tournaments as part of efforts to promote women’s cricket.
During the meeting, Chief Financial Officer Javed Murtaza presented a detailed briefing on the new budget, after which the Board of Governors ratified the decisions taken in the previous meeting.
New Zealand Outclass England to Secure 2-1 Test Series Triumph
Meanwhile, New Zealand defeated England by 160 runs in the third and final Test at Nottingham to secure the three-match Test series 2-1.
Chasing a challenging target of 373, England were bowled out for 212 in their second innings despite a fighting 60 from Jamie Smith. Ben Duckett and captain Ben Stokes each scored 36, but the hosts were unable to mount a successful chase.
The bowlers for New Zealand managed to play well as Zaib got three wickets while Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner took two wickets each to register a remarkable win.
The game became a farewell to England as Ben Stokes retired from Test cricket after the completion of the series.
Ben Stokes played 122 Test matches for England in his distinguished international career lasting 15 years. Moreover, he appeared in 114 One-Day International matches as well as 43 Twenty20 International matches.
An England all-rounder who is considered one of the best, Ben Stokes made his mark on the international stage during England’s victories in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
