The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is furious at the team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup and has decided to penalize the players financially for their poor performance.
According to some sources, the penalties might reach PKR 5 million (about USD 18000) per member. The action comes after a run of dismal outcomes in important competitions.
Following the team’s elimination from the Super Eight stage of the competition co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the PCB is reportedly considering suitable measures.
“No final decision has been taken on this as yet. But yes it is under consideration to financially penalise the players,” PTI quoted a source as saying.
According to him, there is disagreement on whether hitting the cricketers financially would be the best course of action.
However, according to other PCB sources, the players who returned home on Sunday night after their disappointing performance would each be fined PKR 5 million.
Pakistan’s Super Eight match against New Zealand was canceled, and they lost against major teams including bitter rivals India and England, failing to advance to the semifinals. Despite defeating Sri Lanka in their last Super Eight match, they were unable to advance to the semifinals.
The source claims that the players’ performance has angered prominent members of the government, besides the PCB.
“The feeling is enough is enough and these players despite so much backing let down the nation in big events,” the source added.
Along with skipper Salman Ali Agha, star batsman Babar Azam, and a few more players who arrived in Lahore Sunday night, the Pakistani players stealthily made their way home from Sri Lanka in small groups.
In addition to monthly retainers, players with central contracts get match fees, win incentives, and a portion of the Board’s team sponsorship deals.
