PCB staring at massive financial losses
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face massive financial losses if the ICC’s all-powerful governing board decides to penalise them for refusing to play the T20 World Cup match against India on February 15 in Colombo.
According to details collected by PTI, Pakistan’s share in the ICC’s financial cycle 2024/27 comes to approximately $144 million at the highest pay out rate of $38 million distributed to the PCB annually. “Basically if the ICC decides to penalise Pakistan for not playing India, the PCB could take a big hit financially as the ICC share in the current financial cycle comes to approximately 40 billion PKR,” an insider said. He said that these 40 billion rupees have enabled the PCB to remain financially healthy, but if they take a hit, it will mean financial challenges for Pakistan cricket.
He confirmed that Pakistan had already received substantial shares from the ICC for the 2024 T20 World Cup and last year’s Champions Trophy, which it also hosted and got an additional $6 million from a total budget of $70 million for the tournament. The insider said the PCB had spent a lot on organising the event and in terms of gate money, sale of hospitality boxes didn’t earn much. Pakistan, though, were able to play just one match at home as their clash against India was held at a neutral venue in Dubai as per an agreement signed between the BCCI, PCB and ICC.
