Islamabad, Mar 20 2025: Amir Mir, PCB Advisor, and CFO Javed Murtaza addressed media reports claiming financial losses from hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Indian media had reported that PCB suffered an $85 million (INR 869 crore) loss due to hosting the tournament, citing that Pakistan played only one home match.
Amir Mir strongly rejected these claims, criticizing the Indian media and certain anti-Pakistan groups for spreading misinformation.
He emphasized that these reports were part of a deliberate effort to undermine the PCB’s successful organization of the Champions Trophy and its financial standing.
Amir Mir expressed frustration that even some Pakistani media outlets had spread such unfounded narratives.
Addressing the financial performance of the event, he revealed that the Champions Trophy is projected to generate a profit of three billion rupees, exceeding the original expectation of two billion.
This revenue was primarily sourced from gate money and ground fees. He clarified that the PCB did not incur any hosting costs, as the ICC covered the entire budget of $70 million for the event.
Highlighting the PCB’s strong financial position, Mir further noted that the board had paid four billion rupees in taxes to the government, with its financial reserves continuing to grow.
He also commended the efforts of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for his leadership in upgrading stadiums to meet international standards, with 90% of the renovations at Gaddafi Stadium already completed.
The Champions Trophy 2025 was deemed a success, with all participating teams, except India, feeling secure in Pakistan.
India, citing security concerns, opted to play their matches in Dubai, where they ultimately won the title after defeating New Zealand.
