PCB Departmental Cricket Overhaul 2026: Fee hike, mandatory contracts & NOC rules | Explained

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rolled out sweeping reforms to its domestic cricket structure, with participation fees for departments in the President’s Trophy (first‑class) and President’s Cup (List A) nearly tripling for the upcoming 2026‑27 season.

Alongside the fee hike, the PCB has introduced a revamped remuneration model. Departments are now compelled to hand players minimum 12‑month contracts, ensuring year‑round security. A new guest player policy has also been added, allowing cricketers from Pakistan’s senior men’s team and the Shaheens to feature in these tournaments. 

Crucially, departments have been stripped of their authority to issue NOCs, meaning contracted players can no longer freely participate in overseas leagues.

The financial burden on departments

The sharp rise in participation fees has become the biggest headache for departments:

• Grade‑I sides such as Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited Cricket Team (SNGPL) must now pay PKR 15 million to field their teams in the 2026‑27 season, which begins in September.
• Grade‑II sides are also affected, with participation fees set at PKR 4.2 million and PKR 4 million across two divisions.

Player remuneration structure

The PCB’s new pay scales are designed to standardise earnings across departments:

Grade‑I Teams

• Minimum salary: PKR 150,000 per month (or PKR 1.5 million lump sum annually)
• Match fee: PKR 10,000 (first‑class/List A)
• Daily allowance: PKR 5,000

Grade‑II Teams

• Gold category: PKR 75,000 per month
• Silver category: PKR 50,000 per month
• Match fees: PKR 5,000 (Gold), PKR 4,000 (Silver)
• Daily allowances: PKR 5,000 (Gold), PKR 4,000 (Silver)

While the PCB’s reforms aim to professionalise domestic cricket and align it with international standards, the steep participation fees have raised concerns among departments. For many, the financial strain could prove unsustainable, even as the board insists the changes will elevate the quality of Pakistan’s domestic competitions.