KARACHI, May 16: Contracted Pakistan cricketers want a pay hike and are also seeking performance-related incentives for 2007 World Cup, according to captain Inzamamul Haq. Pakistani players are currently given monthly retainers in their central contracts in addition to match appearance fees.

“We are going to ask the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to increase our salaries in the contracts, as we feel this is due to us,” Inzamam said.

“We will also discuss the possibility of having incentives for doing well in the World Cup.”

Players also wanted PCB to review the existing match fees system, he added.

PCB has issued 20 central contracts in three different categories, with the highest level getting a monthly retainer of Rs200,000 ($3,330), followed by Rs125,000 and 75,000. The contracts are up for review next month.

Inzamam said the players felt a yearly increase was natural, but that their demands would be acceptable to everyone. “We just feel the players should be financially secure.”

Inzamam also said the players were looking for incentives for the World Cup.

“Although we know that if we perform up to the mark in Pakistan the rewards would flow in from every quarter.”

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