ISLAMABAD, 17 July: The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has uncovered financial irregularities exceeding Rs6 billion in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the fiscal year 2023–24.
According to the audit report, the PCB made unauthorized payments, appointed officials through questionable procedures, and failed to recover substantial revenues. The AGP revealed that the PCB exceeded its allocated budget by Rs660 million and did not recover Rs5.34 billion in sponsorship revenue.
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The board also incurred a loss of Rs440 million by selling media rights below the reserve price.
During the Pakistan Super League (PSL), despite having access to 14 bulletproof vehicles, the PCB rented coasters, incurring a loss of Rs22.5 million. Additionally, the board spent Rs20 million of public funds on diesel for these vehicles.
The audit highlighted that the PCB chairman spent Rs4.1 million on utility bills, fuel, and hotel accommodation without authorization. Although the chairman held ministerial privileges, he lacked the authority to incur these additional expenses. The AGP recommended recovering the amount from the official responsible.
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The police force deployed for PSL match security consumed meals worth Rs63.3 million — an expense the AGP classified as unauthorized. Authorities also paid 20 fixed daily allowances to police personnel.
Officials justified the VVIP-level security for participating teams, citing orders from the prime minister. However, audit authorities maintained that the responsibility rested with the relevant provincial or federal bodies.
The audit also flagged an unauthorized payment of over Rs5.5 million to the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad. Meanwhile, the Islamabad Club earned Rs22.5 million by commercially exploiting government facilities.
The PCB violated regulations by appointing a Director of Media at a monthly salary of Rs900,000, disbursing Rs8.1 million in total. Auditors identified further irregularities in a $120,000 contract for ticketing services, awarded without open competition.
The report also cited discrepancies in match fees, coaching staff appointments, broadcasting rights, and the rental of bulletproof vehicles.
The Auditor General has recommended full recovery of all unauthorized expenditures and disciplinary action against the officials responsible.
