The much-anticipated Champions One-Day Cup has kicked off in Faisalabad with a thrilling opening match, where Mohammad Rizwan’s Markhors took down Shadab Khan’s Panthers. Yet, as the tournament begins, there’s a major question mark hanging over the event – the players still don’t know what they’ll be paid for their efforts.
It seems odd, doesn’t it? Pakistan’s top cricketers are battling it out on the field, but when it comes to their match fees, they’re being kept in the dark. It’s hard to imagine a high-profile tournament like this, featuring the country’s best talent, starting without such crucial details sorted out.
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Match Fees: Still a Mystery
Despite the excitement on the field, cricketers are anxiously waiting for clarity on their match fees. Under the current setup, players with central contracts receive half the match fee they usually get for international games.
Previously, this amounted to 322,310 rupees per match for a One-Day game. But since there’s no new agreement in place, it looks like the national players will be earning the same as domestic cricketers.
To put this in perspective, domestic cricketers earn 60,000 rupees per match in the Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament, and non-playing members pocket 20,000 rupees. It’s a significant difference, and understandably, the players want to know where they stand financially.
Mentors Earning More Than the Superstars
While the players wait for news about their salaries, the tournament’s mentors seem to be sitting pretty. Big names like Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Shoaib Malik are not just involved in the Champions Cup.
Initially, these mentors were expected to play a short-term role during the tournament, earning 5 million rupees for their time.
However, in a surprising move, the PCB has now signed them to a three-year contract, guaranteeing them 5 million rupees per month. Yes, you read that right – per month! These legends will not only mentor players during the tournament but will also continue to oversee talent development at academies and scouting camps across the country.
In a surprising twist, these mentors are now making more than Pakistan’s biggest cricketing stars. Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, who are all on central contracts, earn 4.5 million rupees per month.
For now, the Champions One-Day Cup rolls on, with plenty of exciting cricket to look forward to. But behind the scenes, the financial situation remains unresolved for the players.
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