The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rebuffed media claims of financial losses associated with its hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, asserting instead that the event will yield a profit of approximately USD 10 million. This announcement, made by PCB spokesperson Aamir Mir and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Javed Murtaza, comes on the heels of reports suggesting significant expenditures totalling INR 3,320 crore on stadium renovations and preparations across major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
"All expenses for the tournament were covered by the ICC," Mir stated during a press conference on Thursday, March 20, 2025. This announcement aims to clarify the financial standing of the PCB, especially amid rumors that ticket sales and hosting fees resulted in a staggering loss of INR 7,445 crore when juxtaposed against the reported income of INR 498 crore.
Mir emphasized that, contrary to the reported losses, the PCB generated revenues totaling INR 3 billion from the Champions Trophy, with expectations of an additional INR 3 billion following an upcoming financial audit. His comments suggest a more robust financial picture than previously reported. He expressed confidence in the board’s financial stability, noting that the PCB's total revenue for the 2023-2024 fiscal year reached INR 10 billion, reflecting a notable 40% increase from the prior year.
The successful hosting of the Champions Trophy has positioned the PCB among the top three richest cricket boards worldwide, with Mir also highlighting that the board has contributed INR 40 million in taxes. "With this financial strength, PCB now ranks among the top three richest cricket boards in the world," he remarked, underscoring the positive impact of the tournament on the board’s financial trajectory.
Additionally, the PCB has ambitious plans for infrastructure, with a budget set at INR 18 billion for stadium upgrades—a substantial investment aimed at elevating the facilities to international standards. Of this, INR 12 billion was allocated for the first phase, with INR 10.5 billion already expended, resulting in significant renovations completed in just four months.
However, amidst these financial triumphs, the PCB has made headlines for its controversial decision to drastically reduce match fees for domestic players in the upcoming National T20 Cup. Reports indicate that domestic players’ match fees have been slashed by 90%, dropping from PKR 40,000 to only PKR 10,000 per match. Reserve players will see even lower compensation at just PKR 5,000.
This pay cut has been attributed to financial constraints and the need for budget restructuring, sparking concern among players and stakeholders regarding the PCB's priorities and financial management practices. Mir acknowledged the budgetary adjustments that prompted these cutbacks, stressing the need to ensure overall financial health.
Following the tournament, the PCB aims to ensure transparency regarding its financial dealings, announcing plans to make all financial details accessible on its official website. Murtaza echoed Mir’s sentiment, reinforcing their commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, especially in light of claims regarding the PCB's absence during the closing stages of the ICC Champions Trophy.
As the cricketing world scrutinizes the PCB’s performance and strategic choices, it appears that while hosting the Champions Trophy has provided significant financial gains, the implications of recent domestic player pay cuts will need careful management and transparency to maintain trust among the cricketing community.
