Pakistan Cricketers Face Another Setback as All Fifty Players Go Unsold in the Hundred Draft

Pakistan cricket is going through a rough patch, both on and off the field. In a disappointing turn of events, all 50 Pakistani players-45 men and 5 women-went unsold in The Hundred draft.

Among the women, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Yusra Amir, Iram Javed, and Jaweria Rauf couldn't find a team in the highly competitive player pool. On the men's side, even established names like Imad Wasim, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Ali failed to attract any bids, with fast bowler Naseem Shah, the highest-priced among them, also going unsold. Meanwhile, players from other countries found better luck, as Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad was picked by Manchester Originals, New Zealand's Michael Bracewell joined Southern Brave, and former Australian cricketer David Warner was snapped up by London Spirit.

As if missing out on The Hundred wasn't enough, Pakistani cricketers are now dealing with a major financial setback at home. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented drastic cost-cutting measures, including a significant reduction in match fees for domestic players. The match fee for the upcoming National T20 Championship has been slashed from 100,000 rupees per match to just 10,000, while reserve players will now receive only 5,000 per game. The tournament, set to begin on March 14, has already sparked concerns among players over their financial future.

Adding to the frustration, the PCB has also been reducing facilities for domestic players in recent months. Those who were once accommodated in four-star and five-star hotels are now being placed in more budget-friendly lodgings. Air travel, which was previously available for players, has been significantly cut back, making travel more difficult and exhausting. There are also reports that payments from last season have yet to be cleared for both players and umpires, while the annual pension increase for former Test cricketers remains unimplemented despite being a board policy.

What makes the situation even more frustrating for many is the fact that while players are being asked to make sacrifices, PCB officials making these decisions continue to enjoy hefty monthly salaries. Sources have revealed that some of these officials are taking home millions every month, while at the same time, the board is spending large sums on national selectors and mentors for various teams, including those involved in the recently concluded Champions Cup.

With financial struggles mounting and international opportunities shrinking, Pakistan's cricketers are facing one of their most challenging times yet.