Young Pakistan cricketers to earn PKR 10 lakh monthly under new PCB plan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to introduce a major financial boost for emerging talent through its new development contract system, aimed at strengthening the pipeline for future national stars.

According to PCB Director High Performance Aaqib Javed, the “Category D” development contract will become one of the most important steps in nurturing young cricketers, particularly those involved with the Shaheens and other emerging squads.

He confirmed that around 16 to 20 rising players will be included in this category, focusing on promising youngsters who are seen as long-term prospects for Pakistan cricket. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between domestic cricket and the international stage by providing both financial stability and structured development opportunities.

Aaqib Javed revealed that players under the development contract will receive a monthly salary of up to PKR 1 million, marking one of the most lucrative packages ever introduced for emerging cricketers in Pakistan. The move is expected to encourage young athletes to prioritize red-ball and all-format development rather than focusing solely on short-format cricket.

In addition to financial matters, Aaqib also addressed broader selection and workload concerns, particularly regarding modern-format specialization. He emphasized that it is unrealistic for players to compete only in T20 cricket throughout the year and then suddenly adapt to the demands of Test cricket.

“After consistently bowling four-over spells in T20s, it is not easy to suddenly deliver 20–25 overs in Tests,” he noted, highlighting the physical and technical challenges of switching formats. He also pointed out that One Day Internationals are now played less frequently, further complicating player development pathways.

Aaqib stressed that players who consistently perform in four-day domestic cricket and show strong interest in the red-ball format should be prioritized for longer versions of the game. According to him, Pakistan’s future Test strength depends on rewarding those who commit to the traditional format.

The new development contract structure is expected to be officially rolled out soon, signaling a strategic shift in how Pakistan invests in its next generation of cricketers—balancing performance, fitness, and long-term format specialization.