Pakistan Cricket Hits More Turmoil As Stars Worry Over Pay Reduces Due to Poor Performances

The Pakistan cricket team is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent history and things are not so favorable for its players either. It is reported that top stars such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan may face financial difficulties since the Pakistan Cricket Board is likely to reduce their paychecks. The performances of the team have been subpar in all formats this year and that has opened the gateway for a probable shift in how the board operates in terms of player contracts. Right now Pakistan's players are getting three per cent of the ICC revenue via their central contracts but that model may end in the near future.

Pakistan's performance has been concerning and supporters have been left frustrated more than once. In Test cricket the team was able to play three games this year and only won one of them which is not a positive sign for a team that has historically been regarded as competitive in the longer version of the game. The condition in one day internationals is worse where Pakistan has been able to play eleven matches but have won only two of these. Such figures indicate to what extent the team is lagging behind in ODI cricket that was previously its forte. In T20 internationals, Pakistan had played fourteen games this year and won seven but lost the remaining seven which also reflects inconsistency and lack of direction.

The biggest setback came lately when Pakistan had lost an ODI series to the West Indies in a rather shameful way. For West Indies, this was their first bilateral ODI series victory against Pakistan since 1991 and it broke a long winning drought against them. Shai Hope put on an unforgettable performance hitting an unbeaten 120 which motivated his team to win the series. Jayden Seales then tore through the batting line of Pakistan by claiming six wickets in the third ODI, which led to Pakistan's defeat by over 200 runs. This was the worst defeat in history by Pakistan against the West Indies and shocked the fans.

The poor show not only marred Pakistan's reputation but also brought financial concerns to its cricketers. Reports indicate that the board is set to withdraw the clause from central contracts under which players earn three per cent of ICC revenues. The share was incorporated two years ago after top players had put pressure on the then chairman of the PCB to include it in their agreements. Now there are legal concerns in the administration to terminate this setup abruptly but it is anticipated that this advantage won't be extended in the future contracts. For the players it means a salary reduction is highly likely and already it has raised eyebrows in the team.

For icons like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan who have the expectations of millions of fans in their shoulders this news just puts more pressure. Both of them have been criticized for not playing match winning innings regularly in high-profile tournaments and now the chance of decreased earnings comes as an added source of pressure. The fans who had hugged them as a solid batting combination have begun asking questions regarding their style and the media too hasn't let them off scot-free. With losses mounting in all formats and now the threat of pay cuts the atmosphere in Pakistan cricket is charged.

What adds to the problem is that Pakistan cricket has a glorious past and expectations always run high. Fans can't tolerate repeat failures particularly when competitors are doing well globally. The crippling defeat to West Indies brought out amongst the fans how much the team has fallen from its heyday. Pakistan, once infamous for erratic brilliance, now just pennuriously fights to win simple matches and that downhill slide can be seen in performances as well as morale amongst the players.

The potential pay reductions serve to illustrate how bad performances can bring repercussions even beyond rankings and trophies. For career players contracts and monetary benefits are vital for their incentive and safety. When payments are under threat it can affect their psychological concentration and performances even more.The PCB move to renegotiate contracts is being regarded as an effort to urge players to enhance their performance but it could also generate tension if celebrities feel they are being treated unjustly.The board's challenge is to find the right balance between motivating and disciplining because withdrawing economic incentives without proper support can boomerang.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see how Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan react to these challenging situations. Both can galvanize the team and change the fortunes but the onus is very high on their shoulders. Pakistan's next games will be crucial not only in the sense of regaining pride but also in dictating the destiny of players' finances. If fortunes do not change the board can proceed with its intention and put an end to the ICC revenue share forever.

For the time being the mood surrounding Pakistan cricket is dominated by a sense of doubt. Players are criticized on one hand for losing matches and on the other hand are threatened with salary cuts. Losses against sides such as West Indies have laid bare vulnerabilities that must be addressed immediately. The board's proposal to strip the three per cent ICC earnings from central contracts is a reminder that fiscal security hinges upon steady performance. The Pakistan cricket requires sound leadership on and off the field to come out of this crisis.

The future is in the hands of how soon the team is able to regain its war-like spirit. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan and other veterans need to rise to the occasion to introduce confidence into the dressing room. Winning in all formats is the only way to shut mouths and protect revenue. Until then the spectre of pay reductions and ghosts of losses will loom over Pakistan cricket.