Islamabad: For over three decades, Pakistan’s cricket fans and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) waited for the day when the country would once again host a major global cricket event. In 2025, that day finally arrived with the ICC Champions Trophy, a prestigious event that had eluded the country since the early 90s. However, what was supposed to be a momentous occasion for Pakistan cricket turned into a financial nightmare, with the PCB facing a staggering loss of Rs 739 crore (approximately PKR 2,379 crore).
The PCB’s decision to host the tournament was aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket events safely. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in particular, sought to make a bold statement by improving the infrastructure and preparing the country for the spotlight. But despite grand expectations, the results proved disappointing, both on and off the field.
Huge Investments, Bigger Setbacks
The PCB went all-in to ensure the event’s success, spending a substantial amount to refurbish three major stadiums: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. According to reports from Telegraph India, the board initially earmarked PKR 9 billion (around $30 million) for the renovation of these venues. However, the final cost skyrocketed to around PKR 18 billion (approximately $58 million)—an increase of nearly 50% from the original budget.
In addition to stadium upgrades, the PCB also faced mounting costs in other areas of preparation. Reports indicate that the board spent an additional $40 million (Rs 347 crore/PKR 1,114 crore) to cover expenses related to security, logistics, and event organization, totaling close to $100 million (around Rs 869 crore/PKR 2,791 crore) for the entire event.
Naqvi and the PCB’s leadership had high hopes that the return of international cricket to Pakistan would be met with a massive turnout from local fans. They envisioned packed stadiums, high ticket sales, and a host of sponsors eager to associate with the event. Unfortunately, these hopes quickly began to unravel.
The Dream Turns Into a Nightmare
The tournament, which started with immense fanfare, quickly turned sour as Pakistan’s cricket team suffered a humiliating exit in the group stages. Their losses to New Zealand and India—coupled with an abandoned game against another team—meant that the Pakistani fans, who had shown early enthusiasm, were left disillusioned. As a result, stadiums that were expected to be packed remained largely empty, and ticket sales faltered.
The sponsors, too, were quick to distance themselves from the event. The PCB had counted on advertising revenue to recoup a portion of its massive investment. However, with the loss of national pride following Pakistan’s early exit, advertisers were no longer willing to sign lucrative deals. The PCB reportedly earned only a modest $6 million (Rs 52 crore/PKR 167 crore) through a combination of match ticket sales and advertising revenue—far from what was needed to cover the ballooning costs.
This financial setback left the PCB in an unenviable position. According to reports, the board suffered an 85% loss on their investment, a blow to both their finances and their hopes of restoring Pakistan’s image as a safe and viable destination for global cricket events.
Drastic Measures in the Wake of the Loss
In the aftermath of the Champions Trophy’s financial debacle, the PCB was forced to take drastic steps to curb its losses. One of the first actions taken was a massive reduction in the match fees for players participating in the national T20 championship, slashing fees by as much as 90%. Additionally, the board announced an 87.5% cut in the match fees for reserve players, a move that further demonstrated the financial strain the board was under.
The PCB also took measures to reduce costs across the board. Sources confirmed that the board downgraded the accommodation for players and officials from luxurious five-star hotels to more economical options. These changes, while necessary, highlighted the extent to which the PCB was now scrambling to balance its books.
The most controversial of these decisions came regarding the reduction of match fees for domestic players. Initially, the match fee was reduced from ₹40,000 to ₹10,000 without any official announcement, sparking outrage among players and officials alike. However, after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi intervened, the amount was revised to ₹30,000 per match—still significantly lower than the previous year’s rate of ₹40,000.
A Tough Future for the PCB
While the ICC Champions Trophy was a long-awaited event for Pakistan, its outcome serves as a stark reminder of the financial and logistical challenges involved in hosting major international sporting events. The PCB’s decision to pour millions into stadium renovations and event preparation without a guaranteed return on investment proved to be a costly misstep.
Looking forward, the PCB’s future plans may need to involve a much more cautious approach, focusing on long-term financial sustainability rather than short-term grandeur. The lessons learned from this debacle will likely influence their decisions in future tournaments, as they aim to balance the thrill of hosting major events with the fiscal responsibility necessary to ensure the health of the country’s cricket infrastructure.
For now, the PCB faces an uphill battle to recover from the significant losses incurred during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The financial aftermath serves as a bitter reminder that in the world of global sports, even the most well-laid plans can backfire, leaving behind not only financial woes but also a deep sense of disappointment among fans and officials alike.
