Babar, Shaheen, Rizwan Likely To Face Pay Cut After PCB Plans Performance Penalty

Pakistan trio in trouble for poor form [Source: AFP Photos]

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing severe financial penalties for national team players following a string of disappointing results across formats. Pakistan has managed just one Test win in three matches this year and a mere two ODI victories from 11 games, compounded by a shocking T20I series loss to Bangladesh and an ODI hammering by West Indies.

PCB Scraps Players' ICC Revenue Share

In a major contract overhaul, as per Sports Now, the PCB will reportedly remove the 3% ICC revenue share from central contracts, a clause players secured two years ago. This move would significantly reduce salaries, with the board viewing the bonus as unjustified, given recent performances. The upcoming Asia Cup contracts will likely be the last to include this provision.

The revamped contracts are expected before the Asia Cup, signalling PCB’s hardline approach to revive Pakistan’s competitive edge. With player salaries set to plummet, the board is banking on financial shock therapy to jolt the underperforming squad.

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Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen Might Face The Drop

Among them, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan could take a hit. Before looking at their slashing of bonuses, let's take a look at what they earn currently.

Now, with their ICC share slashed, they will earn only what their initial salary is. These star players might bear the brunt of this penalty, given that they have been inconsistent with their performances. Babar and Rizwan belong to the Category A players hence, they might see a drop of 31.51%. Meanwhile, Shaheen, who belongs to Category B might face a 33.33% drop in his salary.

Slump In Recent WI vs PAK Series

Notably, in the Pakistan vs West Indies series, Babar managed only 56 runs, where in one match he was out for a duck and in another he scored 9. Rizwan, too, only managed 69 runs with a duck in one match and 16 in another.

Shaheen Shah Afridi has also been inconsistent with his performance with the ball. Across the T20I and ODI series, he took only 6 wickets with expensive spells like 0-35 and 1-31, which is far below his potential as a speedster for the Men in Green.

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