Payment delay sparks Pakistan cricket players’ boycott threats against sponsorship logos and World Cup promotions

The Pakistan cricket team has found itself embroiled in a sponsorship controversy of its own. Reports have emerged suggesting that Pakistan players are contemplating boycotting promotional activities and refusing to sport sponsor logos on their jerseys. The reason behind this move is the alleged delay in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) clearing their outstanding payments.

According to some reports, Pakistan players have not received their match fees for the past few months. With major tournaments on the horizon, including the prestigious ODI World Cup, players are growing increasingly frustrated. Younger talents, in particular, are feeling the financial strain due to the PCB’s inability to settle their dues.

Negotiations over central contracts between the players and the board have hit a roadblock, and the looming World Cup has intensified the matter. The absence of payment for a significant duration has raised concerns among the players, potentially casting a shadow over their participation in the upcoming global cricket extravaganza.

“We are willing to represent Pakistan for free, but our question is why we should promote sponsors’ logos that are affiliated with the board. Similarly, we may decline to participate in promotional activities and other events. During the World Cup, we won’t engage in the apex cricket body’s commercial promotions and activities either” a Pakistan cricketer was quoted as saying by Cricket Addictor.

Will Pakistan players get a hike in their payment?

It is to be noted that the top Pakistan players earn an impressive amount which is approx PKR 4.5 million. However, the players only get around 2.2 or 2.3 million which is the reason why they are asking for a hike in payments. But it would be pretty difficult for the board to do so as the country is already suffering from their poor financial condition.

Pakistan cricket team will be arriving in India on September 27 for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Their performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023 was very disappointing but it’d be interesting to see if they will be able to perform well in the major world tournament or not.