In the upcoming domestic cricket season of 2023-24, a total of 360 cricketers representing 18 regional teams will be offered contracts.
These contracts are divided into seven categories, with 20 players in Category A+, 30 players in Category A, 30 in Category B, 30 in Category C, 30 in Category D, 50 in Category E, and 170 in Category F. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will release the names of the contracted players at a later date.
The PCB announced these changes on August 11th, aiming to enhance the competition and quality of cricket in the domestic season. The season will feature eight regional sides and eight department teams, competing in separate first-class tournaments.
This change ensures that both regions and departments can compete fairly by utilizing the best talent available.
The structure of the domestic season has been designed by the PCB Cricket Technical Committee, led by former captains Misbahul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez. The committee held meetings with various stakeholders, including regional presidents and department representatives, to develop this structure.
The men's cricket season will begin on September 10th with the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where top regional teams will face off against each other. Following that, the top eight department teams will participate in the President’s Trophy, starting on December 15th.
There will be a total of 18 regional teams competing: eight teams in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and ten teams in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, a non-first-class four-day tournament.
The selected players will be assigned categories based on predefined criteria, with each category offering a different financial reward:
- Category A+: PKR 300,000
- Category A: PKR 200,000
- Category B: PKR 185,000
- Category C: PKR 170,000
- Category D: PKR 150,000
- Category E: PKR 100,000
- Category F: PKR 50,000
Additionally, the new financial model includes revised match fees for players:
- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy: PKR 80,000
- Hanif Mohammad Trophy: PKR 40,000
- Pakistan Cup and National T20: PKR 40,000
- Non-playing members of first-class teams: PKR 40,000
- Non-playing members of white-ball cricket teams: PKR 20,000
Junaid Zia, the Director of Domestic Cricket Operations (A), stated that the PCB's commitment extends beyond the field, and these substantial contracts reflect their dedication to the well-being of the cricketers.
