Web Desk — October 30, 2025
Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced 157 men’s domestic cricket contracts for the 2025-26 season, increasing the number from 131 last year and expanding categories from three to four to reward consistency and widen the talent base.
The eight-month retainers, running from August 2025 to July 2026, are awarded based on players’ performances across 2024-25 domestic tournaments. The breakdown includes 30 players in Category DC1 (top performers and veterans like Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abid Ali, Aamir Jamal, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Huraira, and Tayyab Tahir), 55 in DC2, 51 in DC3, and 21 in DC4.
While exact fees weren’t disclosed, last season’s rates were PKR 550,000 monthly for Category A, PKR 400,000 for B, and PKR 250,000 for C. The reworked system ensures a competitive platform, motivating excellence and providing financial security.
The 2025-26 domestic calendar, underway since August 29 with the 12-team Hanif Mohammad Trophy, features two first-class events, three non-first-class red-ball tournaments, a List A competition, a two-phase National T20 Cup, and the 11th HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).
