Pakistan cricketers want a pay raise and are seeking performance-related incentives for next year's World Cup, says captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. "We are going to ask the Pakistan Cricket Board to increase our salaries in the contracts, as we feel this is due to us," Inzamam told Reuters on Tuesday. "We just feel the players should be financially secure".

Pakistani players are paid less than their counterparts from India, England, Australia and South Africa and the board introduced the central contracts system in December 2004.

PCB Director Abbas Zaidi told Reuters there had so far been no contact from the players regarding a pay raise. As it is, the board reviews the contracts when the new ones are issued," said Zaidi. "Obviously if the board thinks it is in a good financial position it will give some benefits to the players."

Pacer Muhammad Asif, who has taken 23 wickets in his last three tests, and batsman Faisal Iqbal are expected to be rewarded with central contracts for recent performances. The Pakistan board does not recognise any players association in the country.

Source: Reuters.

Looking at what the players earn, in relation to what the board gets from sponsors, I think they do have a fair complaint...