Reports: Unhappy with PCB's functioning, Pakistan players not signing contracts

Pakistan 'A' team won the Emerging Asia Cup by beating arch-rivals India 'A' in the final on July 23. It was expected that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would rejoice the win but if reports are to be believed, they are in trouble after the national players have denied signing contracts.

As per a report from Cricket Pakistan, many top-grade Pakistan cricketers have expressed displeasure over PCB's forthcoming central contract deals. Notably, the players travelled to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series even though the central contracts expired on June 30.

The report states that captain Babar Azam and Co. want to meet Zaka Ashraf, who replaced Najam Sethi as the PCB chief, to resolve their differences regarding the pay scale. Amongst the demands of the players are pay hikes, insurance for themselves and family members, education policies and shares from ICC events while one of the non-negotiable demands is clarity regarding NOC (No Objection Certificate) for franchise cricket.

The report further states that Pakistan players don't get as much money compared to other players around the world. It is important to note that Pakistan's cricket body in recent times has demanded USD 25,000 from each player as a participation fee in leagues like Major League Cricket and Global T20 Canada. However, the players are getting only USD 5,000. It is expected that the meeting between Ashraf and the players will take place after the team returns after Sri Lanka series.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam's men have been in fine form in Sri Lanka as they defeated the hosts by four wickets in the first Test in Galle courtesy of Saud Shakeel's maiden double century in the first innings. They are in a strong position in the second Test in Colombo as well after the first day's play, as they bundled out the home side for 166 and finished 145/2 by stumps.