Audit Report Uncovers $21 Million Financial Mess in Pakistan Cricket Board
Audit finds PKR 6 billion irregularities in Pakistan Cricket Board, including unpaid sponsorships and unauthorised chairman expenses
A fresh audit report has exposed big financial troubles inside the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), pointing to irregularities worth over PKR 6 billion ($21 million) during the 2023-24 financial year.
The biggest issue? The PCB failed to recover around PKR 5.3 billion ($18.6 million) in pending sponsorship money. That’s almost 90% of the total irregular amount.
Spending Under Question
The audit also revealed that the PCB spent PKR 63.39 million ($220,000) on food for police and law enforcement officials during international matches. Auditors said this was the government’s job, not something the PCB should pay for.
There were also questions about some staff appointments. Three junior regional coaches were hired even though they did not meet the required qualifications. The hiring of a media director without proper process was also flagged.
Chairman’s Expenses Criticised
Current PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a government minister, came under fire in the report. Between February and June last year, he received unauthorised payments for things like fuel, utilities, and accommodation.
The PCB tried to explain that the chairman was entitled to these expenses, but the auditors rejected that claim.
Mohsin Naqvi is the third PCB chairman in just four years, after Ramiz Raja and Zaka Ashraf. So far, the PCB has not made any official statement on the audit report.
