(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Faces Major Audit Scrutiny Over Rs6 Billion in Financial Irregularities
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is under the spotlight following a comprehensive audit by the Auditor General of Pakistan, which has revealed financial irregularities exceeding Rs6 billion for the 2023–24 fiscal year.
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The audit report, accessed by local media, has raised serious concerns about the PCB’s governance, financial transparency, and contract management—issues that could impact the board’s credibility during a time of increased public and political focus on the game.
Key Findings in the Audit Report
✅ Irregular Appointment of Director Media – Rs8.1 Million
The audit flagged the appointment process for a new Director of Media, citing that the recruitment timeline was bypassed. The individual applied, was approved, and joined on the same day — October 2, 2023 — raising procedural concerns.
The PCB responded by saying relevant documentation exists, but the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) has ordered a full inquiry.
✅ Questionable Security Meal Payments – Rs63.39 Million
The board paid over Rs63 million in meal expenses for police and law enforcement officials deployed during international cricket matches. While the PCB justified the payment due to VVIP security protocols, the audit maintained that security is the government’s responsibility and not the board’s.
✅ Under-16 Coaching Appointments – Rs5.4 Million
Three coaches were hired for Karachi’s Under-16 regional setup without meeting eligibility criteria. While the PCB insists the paperwork exists, the DAC has requested a fact-finding investigation.
Issues with Ticketing and Broadcasting Contracts
The audit found that ticketing, broadcasting, and travel contracts were awarded without open bidding, violating public procurement regulations. These contracts reportedly involve hundreds of millions of rupees.
✅ Media and Sponsorship Losses
The report further reveals that media rights were sold below the reserve price, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs439.9 million. Meanwhile, sponsorship revenue of Rs5.3 billion remains pending, highlighting serious concerns over contract enforcement.
Other Financial Irregularities Identified
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Overpayments to match officials – Rs3.8 million
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Unnecessary spending on transport coasters – Rs22.5 million
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Diesel payments for bulletproof vehicles – Rs19.8 million
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Unverified ground rent – Rs5.5 million
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Payments under a fictitious lease agreement – Rs3.9 million
PCB Responds
In a statement to The News, the PCB’s Director of Media clarified that many of the flagged issues occurred before the tenure of current Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The board has pledged to respond officially once the full audit is reviewed.
The Auditor General has recommended formal recoveries, documentation verification, and multiple investigations to determine accountability. The DAC has also called for fact-finding inquiries across several cases.
With significant financial resources under its control, the PCB is now being called upon to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and reform in its operations. Cricket fans, stakeholders, and government authorities are all watching closely as the board prepares its formal response to the audit.
