Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that each national team player would receive $100,000, approximately Rs28 million, if the Green Shirts win the upcoming T20 World Cup. The tournament will be jointly held in the US and West Indies from June 1-29.
According to the cricket board, Naqvi announced as he reached Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where the Babar Azam-led Pakistan squad commenced the national camp.
During his visit, Naqvi engaged with players and officials, spending two hours with the team. The PCB emphasized Naqvi’s extensive interaction with the players on strategy during his time with them.
The PCB reiterated Naqvi’s announcement of a $100,000 award for each player in case of victory. Naqvi underscored that the prize money paled compared to the significance of lifting the trophy. He hoped the team would raise the Pakistan flag high and encouraged players to compete vigorously without succumbing to pressure.
“Don’t care about anyone. Only play for Pakistan. Demonstrate teamwork on the field [and] God willing, victory will be yours,” Naqvi said, aiming to inspire confidence among the players.
Naqvi also emphasized player unity and expressed confidence in fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi’s potential to shine in the tournament, reminding players of the nation’s high expectations of them.
Naqvi recognized players’ achievements by awarding special shirts for milestones during his visit. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohamad Rizwan received a shirt for completing 3,000 T20 runs, while pacer Naseem Shah was honoured for taking 100 T20 wickets.
The PCB disclosed that Naqvi later hosted a lunch for the players and officials at a local hotel, concluding his visit convivially.
Preparations for the T20 World Cup are underway, with Pakistan scheduled to embark on T20 tours to Ireland and England later this month. These tours aim to equip the Green Shirts for the upcoming tournament.
