PCB approves surplus budget for FY2026-27, increases domestic cricket funding, raises match fees, and allocates billions for infrastructure development.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unanimously approved a surplus budget for the financial year 2026-27, while also giving the green light to the budget for the 12th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL 12).
The decisions were taken during the 84th meeting of the PCB Board of Governors chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The Board also endorsed a proposal to grant administrative and financial autonomy to the HBL PSL, a move aimed at strengthening the league’s operational independence and ensuring its continued commercial success.
Domestic Cricket Budget Increased
In a major boost for Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure, the Board approved an additional Rs1 billion for domestic cricket. The annual allocation has now increased from Rs3 billion to Rs4 billion, reflecting the PCB’s commitment to improving the country’s domestic cricket system and player development.
The Board also approved a revised Central Contracts framework and a new payment mechanism for contracted players.
Match Fees Receive Significant Increase
The PCB announced a substantial increase in match fees for both national team players and participants in domestic competitions. Players competing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will now receive Rs100,000 per match, compared with the previous Rs30,000.
Similarly, reserve players in the tournament will earn Rs50,000 per match, a significant increase from the earlier Rs15,000. The revised payment structure is expected to improve financial security for domestic cricketers and encourage higher standards of competition.
Women’s Cricket and Ground Staff to Benefit
The Board approved funding for Women’s One-Day and T20 tournaments as part of its continued efforts to promote women’s cricket across Pakistan.
To strengthen cricket operations nationwide, the PCB also approved a minimum monthly salary of Rs42,000 for regional ground staff. In addition, funding was sanctioned to operationalize 12 more cricket grounds and recruit the required workforce.
Billions Allocated for Cricket Infrastructure
The Board allocated Rs6.70 billion for the upgradation of the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi and several other cricket infrastructure projects across Pakistan.
It also approved funding for the installation of a state-of-the-art biomechanics machine at the High Performance Centre in Lahore, aimed at enhancing player performance analysis and injury prevention.
PCB Chief Financial Officer Javed Murtaza presented a comprehensive briefing on the FY2026-27 budget, outlining its financial projections and major allocations. The Board also ratified decisions taken during its previous meeting, while members and senior government officials attended the session alongside former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas.
