Islamabad, Mar 18 2025: The Champions Trophy 2025 marked the return of Pakistan as a host for a global cricket tournament after nearly three decades.
However, the marquee event turned into a financial and logistical disappointment, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suffering significant losses.
Media reports revealed that PCB spent approximately PKR 18 billion (around $58 million) on upgrading stadiums in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi—exceeding their planned budget by 50%.
Additionally, $40 million was allocated for event preparations.
Despite these expenses, PCB earned only $6 million from hosting fees, ticket sales, and sponsorships, leading to an estimated financial loss of $85 million.
The situation worsened as rain disrupted several matches. Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, played only one completed game at home, against New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The scheduled match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a toss, while two of the remaining eight games in Pakistan met the same fate.
The financial shortfall directly impacted players, as match fees in the National T20 Championship were slashed by 90%, while reserve player payments dropped by 87.5%.
Cricketers who once stayed in five-star hotels were relocated to budget accommodations, whereas PCB officials reportedly continued receiving high salaries.
Media also reported that PCB had initially reduced match fees from PKR 40,000 to PKR 10,000 without an official announcement.
However, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi later intervened, instructing the cricket authority to review the decision.
Though an official statement is yet to be made, sources suggest the revised amount has been set at PKR 30,000 per match, still lower than the previous year’s payments.
