In New Delhi, it has come to light that the Pakistan women’s cricket team has not been receiving their daily allowances during their current training camp in Multan, which started on Sunday, September 1, 2024. This development has sparked conversations about the support and compensation provided to the team as they prepare for their upcoming three-match T20I series against the formidable South African team next week.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Pakistan women’s cricket team will only receive their allowances once the T20I series against South Africa commences next week. Traditionally, the women’s team has received modest daily allowances at training camps. However, this time around, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to provide accommodation and three meals per day to the players at the camp instead of daily allowances. In previous camps, the provision of three daily meals was not included. An official from the PCB explained that the board’s policy states that when accommodation and meals are provided, no additional daily allowances will be given.

The reason behind this change in policy for the women’s team remains unclear, leading to disappointment among several players. Many believe that being away from home for training camps warrants more than just meeting basic needs such as lodging and food. There are hopes that the situation will improve in future camps, especially with the women’s team gearing up for the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for next month.

This decision comes at a time when the PCB’s expenditure on other aspects of the game is at an all-time high. Significant funds are being allocated for stadium upgrades, which are costing the PCB tens of billions of rupees. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is being almost entirely rebuilt, while the National Stadium in Karachi is also undergoing major renovations. Additionally, construction work is planned for the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium as the PCB prepares to host the Champions Trophy in 2025, marking the first ICC event to be hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades.

Moreover, the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup, Pakistan’s domestic 50-over competition, has seen a substantial financial investment. The prize money for this tournament has been increased to approximately PKR 49 million, which is nearly ten times more than what was offered last year and almost half of the prize money available for this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In parallel, both the women’s and men’s central and domestic contracts have yet to be finalized and announced. The men’s central contracts are particularly overdue, though they are expected to be released soon. However, there is no official word on when any changes will be formally announced.

This situation underscores the complexities and challenges within Pakistan’s cricket administration, as they balance various financial commitments and priorities while striving to support their teams effectively.