Contract negotiations for Pakistan cricketers delayed due to Asia Cup

Pakistan cricketers and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been in negotiations for central contracts for quite some time. However, even after several months, no announcement has been made yet.

The board doubled the payments, but players want more freedom in commercial deals and are also demanding a share from International Cricket Council (ICC) revenue.

PCB wanted to announce the central contracts before the Asia Cup, but this matter is facing continuous delays. According to sources, the new agreements couldn't be signed even before the match against Nepal.

Players and board officials have currently postponed the issue. Players want to focus on matches against India and other matches of Asia Cup 2023.

An official from the PCB stated that there's no deadlock in central contracts, and the decision to offer the highest-ever payouts to players has been made; players are happy with this decision, too. As soon as some of the regular matters get sorted, an announcement will be made in due course.

The official further added that for now, it would be better if cricket remains the center of everyone's attention. Moreover, players will be paid according to their previous contracts until new agreements are announced; any remaining obligations will be fulfilled later.