Here’s Why Many Pakistani Cricketers Want Category C Central Contracts

Several Pakistani cricketers are advocating for placement in Category C of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) new central contracts. This category offers players greater freedom to play overseas leagues without restrictions, which is a significant advantage over other categories. According to sources cited by Saleem Khaliq, these players intend to remain available for Pakistan representation in any format when needed.

The proposed system allows Test players no-objection certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues, but only Category C players can play unlimited red-ball county cricket and other formats. Category C players will receive Rs. 500,000 per ODI or T20I and Rs. 700,000 per Test if selected. Players in other categories receive lower monthly retainers and restrictions on overseas leagues, which could mean substantial earnings differences.

While the highest monthly retainer is Rs. 4.8 million, leading players could earn between Rs. 80 million and Rs. 90 million annually, compared to more than Rs. 200 million to Rs. 220 million annually for top overseas league players. The new contracts, covering July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, have not been announced yet, and the PCB's decision on the final structure is pending.

Players in categories A, AB, BC, and C must play a minimum number of matches annually, while Category D players are exempt from this requirement and can focus on domestic cricket.