PCB Refutes Financial Crisis Claims, Projects Rs3 Billion Profit from ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly dismissed media reports suggesting financial instability, confirming that the board is on course to earn Rs3 billion in profit from hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This figure exceeds earlier estimates and reflects the board’s solid financial standing.

During a press conference on Thursday, Amir Mir, advisor to the PCB chairman, clarified that reports—particularly from Indian media—about financial losses from the Champions Trophy were false and misleading. He also criticized segments of Pakistani media for amplifying this narrative without verification.

“The Indian media has spread propaganda about PCB’s financial struggles related to the Champions Trophy, and unfortunately, the Pakistani media has followed suit,” Amir said. “In reality, we are anticipating a profit of Rs3 billion, surpassing our initial Rs2 billion projection.”

Amir emphasized that the ICC covered all expenses for the tournament, meaning no PCB funds were used in hosting the event. The final profit will be confirmed after the ICC’s audit, but confidence remains high in the Rs3 billion figure.

The successful hosting of the tournament, Amir added, reinforced Pakistan’s capability to manage major international events, effectively countering Indian narratives about security concerns. He noted that all teams completed their visits safely, with no security incidents reported.

Highlighting the PCB’s financial strength, Amir revealed that the board recorded a record Rs10 billion profit in fiscal year 2023-24. The board also paid Rs4 billion in taxes—a sharp rise from Rs1.5 billion the previous year—further demonstrating financial growth.

Accompanying Amir, PCB CFO Javed Murtaza detailed stadium upgrade plans. A budget of Rs18 billion has been allocated to upgrade Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), National Bank Stadium (Karachi), and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Phase one has utilized Rs10 billion, with further enhancements coming in phase two.

Additionally, Niaz Stadium (Hyderabad), Multan Stadium, and Iqbal Stadium (Faisalabad) are slated for upgrades in the coming year, positioning Pakistan to have 6-7 international-standard venues.

Addressing concerns over reduced match fees for domestic players, Javed clarified that the fee adjustments were part of domestic restructuring, not due to financial issues. Although initial cuts were significant, PCB revised the fees after intervention by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who ensured a more balanced approach.

Amir also confirmed that salary and pension freezes were temporary cost management steps and should not be seen as signs of financial distress.

Javed concluded by crediting Chairman Naqvi for revising the profit target for 2023-24 to Rs10 billion, which strengthened PCB’s financial health despite his short tenure beginning in February 2024.

The PCB’s firm stance aims to dispel rumors and affirm that Pakistan cricket’s financial future remains secure, with major investments ongoing to uplift domestic infrastructure.