After nearly three decades, Pakistan hosted a major ICC event—the Champions Trophy 2025. However, what was meant to be a grand moment in the nation’s cricketing history turned into a staggering financial setback for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The board suffered an 85% loss, spending a massive ₹869 crore on hosting the tournament. In return, they managed to generate only ₹130 crore, leading to a severe financial shortfall.
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Huge Investments, Minimal Returns
According to The Telegraph, PCB spent approximately PKR 18 billion (₹580 crore) on renovating the three selected venues—Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. This was 50% higher than their initial budget. Additionally, the board allocated around ₹400 crore for event-related expenses.
However, the returns were alarmingly low, with PCB earning just ₹50 crore from the ICC hosting fee and around ₹80 crore from ticket sales and sponsorships.
One Completed Game at Home
Despite the enormous financial outlay, the Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan team played just one full match at home, against New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Their second fixture against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. Out of the eight scheduled matches in Pakistan, two more were also washed out, further diminishing the tournament’s value for local fans.
Players Bear the Brunt of the Crisis
The financial mismanagement had severe consequences for Pakistan’s domestic cricketers. Match fees for the National T20 Championship were slashed by 90%, dropping from ₹40,000 to just ₹10,000. Payments for reserve players were also reduced by a staggering 87.5%.
A report by Dawn highlighted the hardships faced by the players, stating:
“The PCB had recently reduced match fees from ₹40,000 to ₹10,000 without any official announcement…however, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi intervened, rejecting the decision and directing the board’s domestic cricket department to reassess the matter. While the PCB has yet to officially disclose the revised amount, sources indicate it has been set at ₹30,000 per match — ₹10,000 less than last year.”
Furthermore, domestic players, who were once provided five-star accommodations, were instead placed in budget hotels, while PCB officials continued to receive hefty salaries.
What Went Wrong?
The heavy financial losses can be attributed to several key factors:
- Overspending on Infrastructure: PCB exceeded its budget by 50%, investing heavily in stadium renovations.
- Weather Disruptions: Several matches were abandoned due to rain, resulting in reduced ticket sales.
- Poor Scheduling: The limited number of matches played in Pakistan meant fewer opportunities for financial recovery.
- Low Revenue Generation: Despite the hype, ticket sales and sponsorships failed to meet expectations.
Future of Cricket in Pakistan
The PCB’s financial turmoil raises concerns over the future of international cricket in the country. If such mismanagement continues, securing future ICC events could become challenging. While hosting global tournaments is essential for cricket’s revival in Pakistan, strategic planning and budget control are crucial to avoid another economic disaster.
With mounting criticism and financial strain, PCB faces a crucial test—can they recover from this massive setback, or will this misadventure cast a long shadow over the country’s cricketing future?
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FAQs
How much financial loss did PCB suffer from hosting the Champions Trophy 2025?
PCB suffered an 85% financial loss, amounting to approximately ₹739 crore (PKR 18 billion) after overspending on infrastructure and event preparations.
Why did PCB’s expenses for the Champions Trophy 2025 exceed the budget?
PCB exceeded its budget by 50% due to heavy spending on upgrading stadiums in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi, alongside additional event-related costs.
How many home matches did Pakistan play in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan played only one completed match at home, against New Zealand in Lahore, while three other games were washed out due to rain.
How did the financial loss impact Pakistan’s domestic players?
Match fees in the National T20 Championship were slashed by 90%, reducing payments from ₹40,000 to ₹10,000 per match, while reserve players’ payments dropped by 87.5%.
What were the key reasons behind PCB’s financial failure in Champions Trophy 2025?
Major reasons include overspending on infrastructure, washed-out matches, poor scheduling, and low revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships.
