The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) finds itself at the heart of a staggering financial scandal, with recent internal audits and leaks revealing systemic misuse of funds, lavish perks, and unapproved payments amounting to billions of rupees. From serving extravagant police meals to questionable privileges for former Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the board’s spending culture raises serious concerns about governance, ethics, and the future of Pakistan cricket.
The billion-rupee maze of expenses
As per the audit data accessed through official and whistleblower reports, the PCB’s financial mismanagement spans multiple layers:
| Nature of Expense | Details |
|---|---|
| Police meals and security perks | Special menus served daily to police contingents deployed at PCB events costing over PKR 30 crore annually |
| Unauthorized payments to executives | Payments made as ‘additional benefits’ without board approvals; flagged as a violation of BOG rules |
| Naqvi’s perks | Use of luxury cars, special hospitality arrangements for personal guests billed under ‘official hospitality’ |
| Travel and stay expenses | Business class travels and five-star stays by top executives and their families, breaching protocol limits |
| Cash advances and unaccounted petty cash | Frequent unvouched advances taken by senior officials exceeding PKR 50 crore cumulatively |
Police meal bills spark ire
One of the audit’s most striking revelations is PCB’s spending on elaborate police meals during domestic tournaments and PSL matches. Officials claim these arrangements were meant for ‘morale and duty readiness’, but costs skyrocketed due to:
- Inflated catering tenders
- Daily menu upgrades from basic thali to multicourse buffets
- Lack of competitive bidding for food vendors
Perks for Naqvi under scrutiny
Former PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s tenure has come under direct criticism after the audit showed:
| Perk Availed | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Personal security upgrades | PKR 10 crore |
| Exclusive car fleet with chauffeurs | PKR 4 crore annually |
| Private event hosting billed to PCB | PKR 3 crore |
| Personal staff salary billed to PCB | PKR 2 crore |
Insiders allege these benefits were processed under ’emergency discretionary funds’ without formal board ratification, violating governance procedures and raising conflict of interest concerns.
Unauthorized payments and shady contracts
The audit also flagged unauthorised payments to event management firms, consultancies, and media agencies:
- Event contracts: Over-invoicing of promotional campaigns for PSL 2024.
- Media spends: Payments made for ‘image building’ coverage packages, without tender or competitive assessment.
- Consultancy fees: Unapproved retainer payments amounting to PKR 15 crore to a UAE-based sports advisory firm.
Governance vacuum and lack of checks
Experts argue that systemic financial mismanagement stems from PCB’s outdated governance structure, where:
- Chairman holds unchecked powers under the 2019 PCB Constitution.
- Audit committee recommendations are non-binding.
- Conflict of interest norms remain unimplemented despite ICC compliance advisories.
Former PCB official and financial expert Asif Mahmood noted, “There is a severe accountability deficit within PCB. The board needs urgent structural reforms if it wants to protect cricket’s credibility.”
Implications for Pakistan cricket
| Area Impacted | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Domestic cricket budget | Reduced funding for grassroots tournaments and academies |
| Player payments | Delayed match fees and contracts for domestic cricketers |
| Infrastructure development | Halted stadium renovations and regional upgrades |
| Women’s cricket funding | Budgets diverted to cover general board expenditure overruns |
The extravagant spending has not only weakened PCB’s operational capacity but also threatens its negotiating strength with sponsors and ICC revenue-sharing frameworks.
PCB’s official stance
In a brief statement, PCB denied ‘any large-scale wrongdoing’, claiming that all expenses were ‘in line with standard operating procedures’ and that the audit ‘misinterpreted contextual approvals’. However, transparency advocates demand a full forensic investigation by independent auditors to restore stakeholder confidence.
What reforms are being demanded?
- Independent Board of Governors appointment to ensure checks on executive decisions.
- Public disclosure of audited financial statements, including item-wise breakdowns.
- Reinstatement of departmental cricket funding, which was cut citing budget constraints.
- Implementation of ICC-recommended governance code, to eliminate discretionary powers and ensure collective decision-making.
Conclusion
The billion-rupee loot within PCB shines a harsh light on how Pakistan’s cricket governance has drifted from its core purpose of developing sport for the nation. While stadiums decay and young players await payments, unchecked perks, unauthorized payments, and questionable contracts continue to drain public trust.
With widespread outrage among fans, players, and former legends, the onus lies on the new administration to conduct a thorough clean-up, install credible governance mechanisms, and revive cricket’s institutional dignity in Pakistan.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on multiple audit summaries, whistleblower leaks, and public domain statements. It is for informational and journalistic purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or governance advice by the publisher.
