Poor Performance in T20 World Cup Hits Pakistani Cricketers’ Pockets

Karachi: Pakistan’s cricketers faced heavy financial penalties following their underwhelming performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) imposing fines of PKR 5 million on each player. Sources reveal that the decision was effectively made after Pakistan’s defeat to India.

According to insiders, the authorities have made it clear to the players that indulgence and leniency are over; financial rewards will now depend strictly on performance.

Pakistan narrowly escaped defeat against the Netherlands in their opening match but bounced back to beat the USA. Expectations were high for an improved performance against India, especially given the team’s experience in Sri Lankan conditions and the presence of quality spin bowlers. However, the team’s failure against India mirrored their disappointing run in the Asia Cup.

Despite defeating Namibia to reach the Super 8 stage, rain thwarted the Pakistan-New Zealand clash, and Pakistan then suffered a loss against England. While England later defeated New Zealand, keeping Pakistan’s semifinal hopes alive, the team’s narrow win over Sri Lanka failed to improve the net run rate, allowing New Zealand to advance to the semifinals and ending Pakistan’s campaign.

The PCB, like the fans, expressed significant dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. Recently, each player was fined PKR 5 million, with officials emphasizing that rewards are now strictly merit-based. The players had been warned immediately after the loss to India that subpar performances would carry financial consequences.

Currently, national cricketers earn millions annually, with A-category players receiving a monthly retainer of PKR 4.5 million and an ICC revenue share of PKR 2.07 million. B-category players earn PKR 3 million per month plus PKR 1.5525 million from ICC revenue. C-category players get PKR 1 million monthly and PKR 1.035 million ICC share, while D-category players earn PKR 750,000 plus PKR 517,500 ICC share, in addition to match fees. No player was included in the A-category central contracts from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Sources added that the PCB introduced the “PSL auction model” to provide financial stability to players. Opener Sahibzada Farhan had previously complained about unfair compensation. Now, while star cricketers enjoy multimillion contracts, their performances have not matched expectations, frustrating the authorities.

In this World Cup, Sahibzada Farhan topped the batting charts with 383 runs, while other leading batters—Saima Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, and Usman Khan—failed to score even 100 runs individually. Among bowlers, only spinner Usman Tariq, with 10 wickets, showed above-average performance.

The national team currently operates under Mike Hesson, with captain Salman Ali Agha largely playing a passive role while Shadab Khan remains influential in decision-making, reportedly due to his Islamabad United affiliation.

Before the tournament, Fakhar Zaman was informed he would not feature in the initial playing XI. When given a chance against Sri Lanka, he scored 84 runs at a strike rate of 200, proving his value—but by then it was too late. Senior batter Babar Azam fell short of expectations, and Salman’s poor form drew criticism, with questions raised over his captaincy decisions. The PCB may announce further strict measures in the coming days.