Major Financial Irregularities Uncovered in Pakistan Cricket Board Audit

A recent audit of the Pakistan Cricket Board has uncovered significant financial irregularities totaling over 6 billion rupees ($21 million). The report highlights issues such as uncollected sponsorship funds and questionable expenditures on security for international matches. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also a government minister, faces scrutiny as the board's governance practices come under fire. The audit raises critical questions about the board's financial management and adherence to proper hiring procedures. Discover the full details of this alarming report and its implications for cricket governance in Pakistan.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2025, 14:04 IST

Audit Reveals Significant Financial Issues

Islamabad: A recent audit has revealed financial discrepancies exceeding 6 billion rupees (approximately $21 million) along with governance concerns within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the past two years.

The Auditor General of Pakistan's report for the fiscal year 2023-24, published in a local media outlet, pointed out a significant issue regarding the non-recovery of sponsorship funds amounting to 5.3 billion rupees ($18.6 million).

Mohsin Naqvi, the current PCB chairman, is the third individual to assume leadership of the board in just four years, following Ramiz Raja and Zaka Ashraf. Notably, he also holds a position as a government minister.

The report raised concerns about the PCB's expenditure of 63.39 million rupees ($220,000) on meals provided to police and law enforcement personnel tasked with securing foreign teams during international matches held in Pakistan.

Auditors emphasized that the responsibility for security lies with the government and disputed the PCB's justification that additional safety measures for visiting teams necessitated a large police presence.

Furthermore, the audit highlighted the hiring of three junior regional coaches who did not meet the required qualifications, as well as the appointment of a media director that bypassed standard procedures.

Additionally, unauthorized compensation for utility expenses, fuel, and accommodation for the PCB chairman from February to June of the previous year was noted, as Naqvi was already entitled to these benefits through his government role.

The auditors dismissed the PCB's claim that the chairman was authorized to incur utility expenses according to the board's bylaws.