The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorically rejected Indian media reports of an 85 percent financial loss of INR 869 crore in hosting the recent Champions Trophy. The high-profile tournament between February 19 and March 9 witnessed international cricket’s return to Pakistan after nearly three decades. Senior officials at the PCB pointed out that the event significantly bolstered the board’s revenues.
During a press conference, PCB spokesperson Aamir Mir and Chief Financial Officer Javed Murtaza countered the loss claims, reporting that the board earned approximately ₹3 billion in revenue from the tournament. Mir clarified, “All the costs of the tournament were incurred by the ICC,” highlighting that revenue was earned from ticket sales and gate money. Following an audit, the PCB expects to receive an additional ₹3 billion from the ICC.
Having targeted ₹2 billion revenues initially, the PCB exceeded projections when India claimed the trophy, defeating New Zealand in the final match held in Dubai. Mir thanked PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for the improved financial situation, noting that there was a 40 percent increase in revenues during the previous fiscal year.
“With this financial muscle, PCB is now one of the world’s top three richest cricket boards,” Mir added further, also claiming that the board has paid ₹40 million in taxes.
In response to accusations of domestic players’ remuneration, which had asserted that match fees have been reduced by 90 percent due to financial mismanagement, Mir ensured that the salary reduction decision was overturned during Naqvi’s tenure. PCB officials are also expecting an explanation from the ICC regarding why their representatives were absent at the Champions Trophy closing ceremony in Dubai.
