Payments of domestic cricketers to be doubled soon: Wasim Khan

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to double the amount being paid to domestic cricketers and will also offer separate central contracts for the top performers in domestic cricket, PCB CEO Wasim Khan said while giving details of the Board’s five-year plan in to Dawn News on Saturday.

“The World T20 seems unlikely this year and that will be a setback, both for the game and for us financially. As you are aware after the ICC events, member boards always get a handsome amount. But as of now we are working on a contingency plan as World T20 remain uncertain,” said Wasim. “We are planning ahead for the ‘worst possible scenario’ and are reducing our expenses and our budget. However, we will not compromise on domestic and women’s cricket. For our next domestic season we will double the amount for the players and also a category for domestic top performers will be introduced to encourage them.”

As for the domestic cricket season, Wasim reiterated that PCB will adhere to the changes made last year with six regional teams set to compete.

“We are trying to make a long sustainable system so that in future we are able to perform well at the international level,” he said. “I know there was a criticism on domestic model last year but as cricket board, it is our duty to make right decisions for the betterment of cricket.

“Recently, we revamped our high performance center and brought  professionals like Saqlain Mushtaq and Nadeem Khan in it. Also, legendary Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmad also became a part of Pakistan team management for the England tour which is surely a boost. So we are trying our best to facilitate our players and our youngsters,” emphasised Wasim.

“I want to say that departments can continue with cricket activities but we cant recognize them officially as we have region based domestic structure and we are building on this model. It will take a few years to improve our domestic cricket but we have a clear and right direction, so the results will definitely come.”

The PCB chief executive went on to add that Misbah-ul-Haq has served Pakistan cricket with dignity. “I think we must give him a proper chance to do his best.

“People said a lot about Misbah when he was hired as Head coach and chief selector. But we must not forget he is the same guy who lifted Pakistan cricket from its feet after the nasty match fixing scandal in 2010 and I think we all must support Misbah and his support staff as every one needs time to do well,” he added. “The fans also need to be patient about him. I know the upcoming England tour will be tough for Misbah and his team as England already are doing good practice and will soon play the series against West Indies.

“On the other hand, our team has been restricted due to fast spreading pandemic here, and is not able to practice. That’s  why we are sending the team a bit early so they have enough time to prepare themselves before  the series.”

Wasim further said: “We are also focusing to build good relationship with all boards and in the next two years, I am confident that major teams like Australia and England will Inshallah tour Pakistan.”

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2020