Deadlock continues over PCB and players over new contracts ahead of Asia Cup 2023: Reports

The Asia Cup 2023 is less than a week away, and the best Asian teams will be eyeing a strong performance in the continental tournament, which starts on August 30, 2023, and the final will be played on September 17, 2023. They will be looking forward to the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup starting on October 5, 2023. Pakistan will face Nepal in the season opener on Wednesday at Multan Cricket Stadium, Pakistan.

3 things you need to know 

•  India vs Pakistan will be played on September 2, 2023 
• Sri-Lanka are the defending champions of the Asia Cup 2023
• The 2023 version of the Asia Cup will be played in ODI format

Also Read: BCCI President Roger Binny Likely To Travel To Pakistan On For Asia Cup: Reports

PCB's new contracts are still in limbo ahead of the Asia Cup

According to reports, the PCB is trying to reach a solution that will make it easier to disclose contracts either before or during the Asia Cup. The crucial Asia Cup competition slated to take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka is overshadowed by the standoff between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the national team players over the fulfillment of new central contracts. On Saturday, it was revealed by a reputable board source that a number of issues still need to be resolved. Notably, experienced fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi declined to sign the new central contract at one point because the PCB would not issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Emirates T20 International League. Talking about Shaheen, an insider claimed:

Shaheen got so frustrated at the board’s refusal to issue him an NOC that he made it clear it would be best if he didn’t sign any contract with the board and played as a freelancer.

By agreeing to give NOCs for the Emirates League, slated for January–February, the board was able to avoid a similar situation with other players. Shaheen has reached an agreement on a contract worth USD 400,000 over the course of two or three years, with an extra USD 150,000 going to the league from the internet promotion of his NFTs.

According to the source, despite Zaka Ashraf, chairman of the board's cricket management committee, visiting Sri Lanka to speak with players before the series against Afghanistan, the impasse continued.

Also Read: Ex-cricketer Makes Surprise Inclusion As He Names His Playing XI For Asia Cup Match Vs PAK

The senior players remain steadfast in their desire for a more equitable portion of the PCB's yearly earnings from ICC events. The informant revealed that they also wanted a bigger say and role in the sale of the digital rights to their NFTs, which included pictures, videos, and audio clips.

What is the reason for the dispute between PCB and senior Pakistan players? 

Concerns about central contracts and different revenue-sharing arrangements are at the center of the ongoing dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and senior national team players. The athletes' demand for more freedom in earning personal endorsement deals is a major topic of dispute. The players insist on getting a large cut of the ICC revenues as well as the money made through NFTs and personal endorsements, despite the board's assurances of increased monthly central contract retainers and match payments.

The ICC events in the upcoming financial cycle will generate a sizeable sum of USD 33.4 million for the PCB. The PCB has decided to allow participation in two overseas tournaments each year in addition to the Pakistan Super League due to the players' increasing awareness of their potential earnings.

In order to achieve a balance, the PCB wants to disclose contracts either before or during the Asia Cup. However, the possibility that top players choose freelance status raises serious concerns for the board because it could result in the nullification of PCB contracts and give players the option to sign contracts on other platforms.

Senior players have also informed the board of their endorsement preferences. They have stated that they will no longer promote future gambling, alcohol, or tobacco-related items. This viewpoint results from the PCB's and some franchises' recent use of surrogate advertising techniques during the most recent Pakistan Super League and foreign home series, where sponsorship and kit logo agreements were made with betting companies. The players have also informed the league's administrators of their decision to refrain from endorsing such products.