PCB announces financial support for unemployed women players

In line with its mission of care policy, the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a three-month financial relief package for the jobless national women cricketers. The proposal was put forward by the women’s wing, headed by Urooj Mumtaz, which was consequently approved by PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani.

Under this project, 25 women cricketers will benefit and will receive a monthly allowance of PKR25,000 each from August to October.

The 25 women cricketers were chosen following a selection criterion, which included featuring in the 2019-20 national domestic season; are not contracted for the 2020-21 season; and are present without a job, contract or business.

The decision to offer a three-month financial support package to 25 women cricketers was taken after examining the immediate economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which have also influenced cricket activities.

In June, the PCB had announced a list of women’s contracted players, which included nine centrally contracted cricketers and as many emerging contracted players. These are 12-month contracts, which commenced on 1 July 2020.

The latest PCB decision means 43 women cricketers will now be supported by the PCB.

“As the women’s game is making steady progress, it was necessary that the PCB came up with this scheme to not only protect and support our players but to also make them understand and realise that the PCB values them and will look after them in a stressful times." Urooj said.