In a stunning revelation, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has uncovered serious financial irregularities exceeding Rs6 billion in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the fiscal year 2023–24. The audit report, recently made public, paints a troubling picture of mismanagement, unauthorized spending, and violations of procurement laws within one of Pakistan’s most influential sports bodies.
—
🏏 Why the PCB Audit Matters
Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan — it’s a national obsession. The PCB, entrusted with managing the game at all levels, is expected to uphold the highest standards of transparency and governance. However, the AGP’s findings suggest a systemic failure in financial oversight, raising questions about accountability and ethical leadership.
—
🔍 Breakdown of Major Audit Findings
The audit identifies a wide range of irregularities, from questionable appointments to massive revenue losses. Here’s a detailed look:
📌 Irregular Appointments and Hiring Practices
– Director Media Appointment (Rs8.1 million)
The individual was appointed on the same day the application was submitted, approved, and joined — bypassing standard recruitment protocols.
– Under-16 Coaches in Karachi (Rs5.4 million)
Coaches were hired without fulfilling eligibility criteria, violating merit-based hiring standards.
📌 Unauthorized and Wasteful Expenditures
– Police Meal Payments (Rs63.39 million)
PCB paid for meals provided to police personnel during international matches — a responsibility that legally falls under the government.
– Diesel for Bulletproof Vehicles (Rs19.8 million)
PCB covered fuel costs for vehicles provided by the Punjab government, which should not have been its financial burden.
– Hiring of Coasters (Rs22.5 million)
Transport services were hired without proper justification, leading to wasteful spending.
📌 Procurement Rule Violations
– Ticketing Contract (USD 120,000)
Awarded without open competition, violating public procurement rules.
– Surface Travel Contract (Rs198 million)
No transparent bidding process was followed, raising concerns about favoritism.
– Broadcasting Rights (USD 99,999 / Rs27.4 million)
Awarded without competitive bidding, undermining fair market practices.
📌 Revenue Losses and Non-Recovery
– Media Rights Sold Below Reserve Price (Rs439.9 million)
PCB failed to secure fair market value, resulting in a substantial loss.
– Unrecovered Sponsorship Dues (Rs5.3 billion)
Outstanding payments from sponsors were not collected, indicating poor financial follow-up.
– Ground Rent and Office Lease Issues (Rs5.5 million + Rs3.9 million)
Payments were made without proper documentation or on fictitious lease agreements.
—
🧾 PCB’s Response and Audit Rebuttal
The PCB defended its actions by claiming:
– Expenditures were not illegal under current laws.
– Additional responsibilities justified extra benefits and allowances.
However, the AGP rejected most of these justifications, recommending:
– Fact-finding inquiries
– Recovery of unauthorized payments
– Strengthening internal financial controls
– Strict adherence to procurement laws
—
⚖️ Governance Crisis in Pakistan Cricket
This audit report is not just a financial document — it’s a wake-up call for sports governance in Pakistan. The PCB’s failure to follow transparent procedures undermines public trust and sets a dangerous precedent for other institutions.
The lack of accountability in hiring, spending, and contract awarding reflects a deeper issue: the absence of institutional checks and balances. With billions at stake and cricket being a national symbol, such mismanagement cannot be ignored.
—
📊 Implications for Future Tournaments and International Reputation
As Pakistan gears up for major international tournaments, including the Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB’s credibility is under scrutiny. Financial irregularities could:
– Affect sponsorship deals
– Undermine international partnerships
– Trigger government intervention
– Delay infrastructure projects
The global cricketing community expects professionalism and transparency. If the PCB fails to reform, it risks losing its standing on the international stage.
—
📝 Final Thoughts: Time for Reform
The AGP’s audit should serve as a catalyst for change. The PCB must:
– Implement transparent hiring and procurement processes
– Recover outstanding dues
– Establish independent oversight mechanisms
– Ensure public accountability
Cricket deserves better — and so do the fans, players, and stakeholders who invest their passion and resources into the game.