The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly benefited from funds allocated by the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), a component of Pakistan’s National Treasury. It has come to light that, contrary to the PCB’s assertions of financial independence, a sum of Rs. 205 million was received from the PSB’s exchequer after the Champions Trophy 2017 victory. This money, originally intended for the development of Olympic sports, was distributed among the players from the PSB’s funds rather than the PCB treasury.
Despite PCB officials consistently stating in National Assembly Committee and Senate meetings that the government does not provide financial support to the cricket board, the Champions Trophy prize money was sourced from the sports budget designated for other sports.
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A federation official expressed dissatisfaction, stating that it was unfair to withdraw funds for cricketers from the sports budget meant for various sports. The official questioned why the PCB did not allocate the prize money to the Champions Trophy-winning team from its own resources, especially considering the substantial revenue the board claims to generate annually.
The official pointed out that the Prime Minister, as the patron-in-chief of the PCB, could have allocated funds for cricketers without tapping into the PSB’s treasury. The official questioned the decision to use funds from the PSB kitty, emphasizing that this move was unjust, particularly when the amount was earmarked for Olympic sports.
Highlighting the context of the deduction, the official mentioned that during the 12th South Asian Games in Nepal, Rs. 205 million was withdrawn from the PSB’s treasury, originally intended for Olympic athletes.
Critics argue that the PSB has not substantially supported federations, and the substantial grant of Rs. 680 million it received should have been entirely directed towards Olympic sports. Documents submitted to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by the PSB reportedly indicate that Rs. 205 million was withdrawn from the PSB’s funds for cricketers.
This situation has raised concerns about the impact on Olympic sports and athletes striving to bring laurels to their country, as funds meant for their development are redirected to cricket.
