As an International player - and that is really the only way you earn a decent living:
If you are good - you can last 15-20 years.
If you are average, maybe about 5-10 years
If you are mediocre - maybe a few series before being discarded.
The fear of injury, falling out of favour, not having the right contacts etc - all can contribute to you seeing out your career as a has-been.
Given the level of competition in the sub-continent, I do wonder why anyone would knowingly choose Cricket as a career?
How will this work? Who in today's teams could do this job? Have heard of a non playing captain but a player coach?
About time the world body acts and tells PCB to shape up! How can the ICC members work with PCB if there is no leadership to work with?
Ashes disaster maybe history now but England will need to show Sri Lanka and India who's boss ! Can they do it?