New Delhi: With the future of this year’s Asia Cup T20 tournament hanging in the balance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing the risk of a significant financial setback. The Board had projected earnings of approximately PKR 8.8 billion this fiscal year from its shares of revenue from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), which are now in jeopardy.
According to reliable sources within the PCB, the Board has budgeted for USD 25.9 million (around PKR 7.7 billion) as its expected revenue from the ICC for this financial year. Additionally, the PCB anticipated earning PKR 1.16 billion from the Asia Cup and another PKR 7.77 million from other international cricket events.
“These two revenue streams — the ICC and the Asia Cup — are vital for the PCB’s financial stability,” an insider said, highlighting growing concern over the uncertainty surrounding the Asia Cup.
The situation has worsened due to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi not travelling to Singapore for last weekend’s ICC meetings, opting instead to participate virtually. Sources say that PCB CEO Sumair Ahmed, who did attend in person, failed to receive positive feedback from the BCCI or cricket boards of Sri Lanka and Afghanistan regarding the upcoming ACC meeting scheduled for July 24 in Dhaka to finalise the Asia Cup plans.
“There was considerable pushback about holding the ACC meeting in Dhaka. India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Oman, and several associate members were unwilling to travel there,” said an insider.
The lack of consensus, particularly India’s reluctance to participate in a Dhaka meeting, casts doubt on the tournament being held as planned in September. Given the ongoing diplomatic tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, there is growing speculation that the tournament may be relocated to the UAE.
Ironically, the ACC is currently chaired by Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi, adding to the complications.
The PCB had also projected revenue of PKR 2.5 billion from the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League, included in the overall fiscal budget of PKR 18.8 billion.
However, with the Asia Cup’s fate undecided, the PCB could see a considerable dent in its expected income for the year, putting additional pressure on the Board’s financial planning.
