Pakistan Cricket Board Plagued by Corruption Amidst South Africa Series Preparations
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently embroiled in a significant corruption scandal, with an audit report revealing financial irregularities amounting to millions of rupees. These allegations surface as the PCB prepares to host South Africa for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series in September 2025, adding a layer of controversy to their upcoming international schedule.
PCB Rocked by Corruption Allegations
An audit conducted by the Auditor General of Pakistan has unearthed widespread financial misconduct within the Pakistan Cricket Board. The report highlights several irregularities, including unauthorised payments and questionable contract awards, casting a shadow over the board's operations.
Key takeaways from the audit report include:
- Unauthorised Payments to Chairman: Current PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is implicated in receiving unauthorised payments totalling 4.17 million rupees between February and June 2024 for utility charges, POL (petrol, oil, lubricants), and accommodation. This is particularly contentious as Naqvi simultaneously held the office of Interior Minister, with his benefits already covered by law.
- Irregular Appointments: The report flags the irregular appointment of three Under-16 coaches at the High-Performance Centre in Karachi, costing 5.4 million rupees in salaries. Additionally, the Director of Media was irregularly appointed with a monthly salary of 900,000 rupees.
- Questionable Contracts: Ticketing contracts were awarded without proper competitive bidding, and international broadcasting rights were granted without transparent competition, leading to a reported loss of 198 million rupees due to media rights being awarded below the reserved price.
- Excessive Spending: Significant sums were spent without proper authorisation, including 63.39 million rupees for police meal expenses during international matches, 19.8 million rupees on diesel for bulletproof vehicles, and 22.5 million rupees on hiring coasters.
- Overpayment to Officials: Match officials received overpayments in fees, amounting to 3.8 million rupees.
These revelations come at a time when the PCB and Chairman Naqvi are already under scrutiny, particularly following Pakistan's early exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy, a home ICC tournament.
Pakistan's Upcoming International Fixtures
Despite the ongoing corruption scandal, the Pakistan Cricket Board is moving forward with its international schedule. The women's team is set to have a busy period, with several key series and tournaments planned.
Upcoming fixtures for the Pakistan women's cricket team include:
- August 2025: Three-match T20I series against Ireland in Dublin.
- September 2025: Three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled for the 16th, 19th, and 22nd.
- October 2025: Participation in the ODI World Cup in Sri Lanka, with league-stage matches from October 2 to 24 in Colombo.
- February-March 2026: Tour of South Africa for three ODIs (marking the start of their ICC Women's Championship 2025-29 campaign) and three T20Is.
- April-May 2026: Hosting Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is, also part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025-29.
- June-July 2026: Participation in a T20I tri-series in Ireland (featuring hosts and West Indies) before the T20 World Cup in England.
Rafia Haider, Head of Women's Cricket, emphasised that the international schedule is designed to ensure thorough preparation for major events like the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup. The PCB is also focusing on developing young talent, with an Under-19 T20 tournament and a subsequent tour to Bangladesh planned to provide valuable exposure for emerging players.
