Historical context: This article concerns reports about Pakistan Cricket Board central-contract discussions in 2022. The PCB subsequently announced the final 2022-23 contracts.

Reports of concerns during contract discussions

Reports in May 2022 indicated that some senior Pakistan players had concerns about proposed central-contract terms, including remuneration and other contractual conditions.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam was among the senior players mentioned in reporting about the discussions. Claims circulating at the time about the consultation process should be distinguished from the final contracts later announced by the PCB.

PCB announced the 2022-23 contracts

The PCB subsequently announced separate red-ball and white-ball central-contract lists for the 2022-23 season.

Babar Azam was placed in Category A in both the red-ball and white-ball contract lists. The structure reflected the board's move toward separate contracts according to formats.

The PCB also announced increases in match fees across the three international formats and other changes to player remuneration.

Context of the negotiations

Central contracts determine important aspects of the professional relationship between the board and contracted international players. Discussions about salaries, match fees, workload and contract conditions can occur before a final list is announced.

The reports from May 2022 should therefore be understood as part of a negotiation period rather than as the final status of the PCB's 2022-23 contracts.