The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently announced domestic contracts for 90 women cricketers for the 2024-25 season, increasing from 79 players in the previous year. Despite this expansion, concerns have been raised regarding the financial terms of these contracts. Players are set to receive a monthly retainer of PKR 35,000, which falls below Pakistan’s minimum wage for unskilled laborers, currently set at PKR 37,000.
In addition to the modest retainers, match fees have been reduced from PKR 25,000 to PKR 20,000 without public announcement. Given the limited number of domestic matches—players can participate in a maximum of 31 days of cricket per season—the annual earnings for a player featuring in every game and reaching all finals would total approximately PKR 1,040,000 (USD 3,700). This amount is insufficient to cover essential expenses such as professional training, diet, and fitness, which can cost up to PKR 600,000 annually.
The financial challenges faced by Pakistan’s women cricketers are stark when compared internationally. In Australia, domestic women cricketers earn an average of USD 96,000 annually, reflecting a significant investment in women’s cricket. Similarly, England has committed to equal starting salaries for both men and women in professional domestic cricket from 2025, aiming to make cricket a viable career option for women.
The PCB’s current approach has led to dissatisfaction among players and raises concerns about the future development of women’s cricket in Pakistan. The financial constraints not only hinder players’ ability to sustain their careers but also discourage potential talent from pursuing the sport professionally. Addressing these disparities is crucial for fostering a more equitable and sustainable environment for women’s cricket in the country
