PCB reduce match fees for domestic women cricketers

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reduced match fees for domestic women cricketers, from PKR 25,000 to PKR 20,000 (approx USD 71). This decision was made without public announcement, and the PCB claimed it aims to expand the talent pool in women's cricket at the grassroots level and inspire young players to take up the sport as professionals.

However, the financials suggest otherwise. Despite increasing the number of contracts, the in-hand pay of players has reduced. The latest domestic contract list includes 10 capped Pakistani players, 62 emerging players, and 18 Under-19 players. The capped players' list includes Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz, who lost out on the batch of central contracts that were delayed by five months.

Players have reported not being paid daily allowances this season, and their monthly retainers are worth PKR 35,000 (approx USD 125), which is less than the mandated minimum pay for unskilled laborers in Pakistan. The maximum earning a player can make with the retainers and match fees is PKR 1,040,000 (approx USD 3700) this season, but most players compromise on their cricketing development to afford basic expenses.

The disparity in investment in cricket development is evident in players' fitness levels. A domestic player revealed that they spend approximately PKR 400,000 on their cricket, but cannot afford a personal trainer. The PCB's spending on women's cricket has increased from PKR 70 million to PKR 240 million, but no significant investment has been made in facilities.

In comparison, Cricket Australia offers its domestic players an average of approx. USD 96,000 annually, while New Zealand Cricket offers contracts to 72 domestic players and pays its lowest-earning player approximately USD 11,000 annually. The PCB's revenue share from the International Cricket Council is USD 34.51 million, but the investment in women's cricket is minimal.

The social issues for Pakistani women to play cricket are numerous, including low pay, delayed payments, lack of game time, and abrupt changes in domestic structures. The PCB's neglect of women's cricket has led to the team being ranked among the lowest Full Member teams in the world, with little interest from overseas T20 leagues.