PCB’s new retainership contract set to cripple domestic cricketers’ autonomy

Players will not be able to pursue any other jobs while being signatories to the contract

PHOTO: PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB’s) new retainership contract has added to the woes of the players participating in domestic cricket. Although they will be paid a monthly salary but this will be accompanied by severe restrictions.

According to details, the players have been handed over an elaborate list of rules and regulations which will ultimately tie players down completely. The cricketers will not be able to pursue any other jobs, while being signatories to the contract.

Even though the departments have been closed, several players still receive around PKR 70,000 to PKR 300,000 from them monthly. Now the players will have to survive and provide for their families on a monthly salary of PKR 50,000. The PCB has now brought uniformity to the system.

A player who plays one match and a player who features in 100 matches will receive the same amount. In the department format, the wives of the players were also eligible for medical insurance, which is no longer the case.

A panel board will decide which players get to retain their contracts after the end of a particular season. If a player participates in a league, he will not get the monthly salary for that period.

It should be noted that contracted domestic players are no allowed to talk to the media without the permission of the Director Domestic Cricket Operations of the PCB. They are also not allowed to write for newspapers or magazines.

Restrictions have also been placed on players from appearing in a television or radio show during an ongoing tournament. Players are not allowed to criticise the board, officials, sponsors, ICC, or match officials on any media or social media outlets. Contracted players cannot provide their opinions on any political or critical issue as well.