PCB: Scheduled to commence on August 22, Pakistan is scheduled to engage in a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. This 50-over clash holds strategic importance for both sides as a prelude to the imminent Asia Cup, set to unfold from August 31 to September 17. Taking place in Sri Lanka, the series will conclude with the final match on August 26. In the lead-up to the ODI battle, reports indicate that Pakistani players have declined to ink central contracts with the PCB, citing a range of concerns.
Pakistan players hesitant for new contracts
Amidst the backdrop of discord surrounding the sale of licensed digital rights, Pakistani cricket players are showing hesitance in extending their commitments to long-term central contracts with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This standoff has endured since the previous contracts concluded on June 30. According to reports, the disagreement revolves around the players’ aspiration for a more substantial stake and control in the marketing of their digital rights or Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which are presently overseen by the PCB.
Pakistani players are advocating for either the ability to independently negotiate or a larger share of the proceeds derived from the PCB’s earnings, particularly in light of the substantial offers made by entities such as Rario for sports-related Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) that encompass elements like player images, clips, and audio snippets.
At present, the PCB acquires revenues through the licensing of players’ digital content for events managed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Supplementary income is generated from the sale of digital rights linked to the Pakistan Super League (PSL). While the PCB does allocate a portion of the players’ earnings from digital rights, players contend that the existing arrangement does not meet their anticipated levels of compensation.
PCB trying to negotiate
The PCB has suggested a three-year central contract in a bid to address these problems. Players are still unwilling to commit to this timeline, though. According to reports, players haven’t changed their stance on getting a bigger cut of the money generated by the sale of their digital rights. Additionally, they demand a bigger share of the money made from the sale of broadcasting rights. A top PCB official is now in Sri Lanka trying to break the situation by negotiating with players to persuade them to accept the contracts the board has drafted.
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