PCB says it earned Rs3bn through Champions Trophy

LAHORE: Pakistan reaped financial benefits from hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, generating a staggering Rs3 billion in revenue, according to Amir Mir, Adviser to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman.

Addressing a press conference alongside PCB Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Javed Murtaza, Mir dismissed speculation regarding financial losses, labelling such claims as baseless propaganda, particularly from the Indian media.

Mir emphasized that the PCB did not allocate any of its funds to the tournament, as all operational expenses were covered by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The global cricketing body provided a $70 million budget, of which $10 million was directly allocated to Pakistan. These funds covered tournament logistics, security, and infrastructural improvements, ensuring a seamless execution of the event, he added.

“This event was a testament to Pakistan’s capability as a host of major international cricket tournaments,” Amir Mir said. “Despite concerns raised by India regarding security, the Champions Trophy concluded successfully, with all foreign teams participating without any incident taking place.”

In addition to revenue from the tournament, the PCB reported an all-time high annual profit of Rs10 billion in the 2023-24 financial year, contributing Rs4 billion in taxes to the national exchequer. This marks a significant leap in the board’s financial standing, placing it among the top three wealthiest cricket boards globally.

The event also led to major infrastructural developments across Pakistan’s cricket stadiums. For the first time since 1966, three major cricket venues underwent significant renovations. The first phase of upgrades amounted to Rs10.5 billion, while an additional Rs7.5 billion has been earmarked for further improvements. These stadium enhancements are designed to benefit Pakistan cricket for the next three decades, ensuring world-class facilities for future domestic and international events.

Amidst discussions about the financial success of the Champions Trophy, Mir also addressed India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, asserting that such moves were more detrimental to India than to Pakistan.

PCB CFO Javed Murtaza corroborated these statements, highlighting the 40pc surge in PCB’s revenue this year. He attributed the Rs3 billion in tournament earnings to ticket sales and ground fees, surpassing the original Rs2 billion estimate.

“The Champions Trophy was not just about short-term revenue generation; it was a steppingstone for future cricketing excellence in Pakistan,” Murtaza said. “Our financial report will soon be made public on the PCB’s official website.”

With this unprecedented financial success, the PCB now looks ahead to further strengthening Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure and securing more global events on home soil. Mir stated, “All decisions regarding the Champions Trophy were made by the ICC. India attempted to cause financial damage to Pakistan, but in the long run, India will suffer greater financial losses than Pakistan.”

Mir further noted that the PCB, under Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, has achieved remarkable financial stability and ranks as the third wealthiest cricket board globally.