PCB gets Rs8.9 billion budget approved

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has got Rs8.997 billion budget approved by the Board of Governors in a virtual session.

During the meeting, the governing board was also updated on the upcoming cricket season, which includes four international series and PSL 7 in Pakistan.

There is an increase of around Rs2 billion from last year. This is due to the increase in international series (from nine to 16), more domestic events (from 11 to 18), retainership increase from 10 percent to 25 percent of both men and women cricketers, equalisation of match fee for the men’s side, an inflationary adjustment to staff salaries, and production cost of home cricketing series and Covid-19 related protocols.

The BoG appreciated the support of all the six franchise owners in conducting PSL 6.

The BoG appreciated that the PCB’s back and front-office staff worked relentlessly to professionally and strategically overcome the continuously changing landscape that tested their operational acumen and decision-making to the limits.

The BoG observed that by delivering the remaining matches of the PSL 6 in the UAE, the PCB had highlighted the soft image of Pakistan, while proving itself as one of the most resilient cricket boards.

The BoG was informed that the PSL 7 will be staged in Pakistan and discussions with the six franchise owners to find the right window during a packed 2021-22 domestic season will commence soon. The BoG was also updated on the process that will be implemented before new commercial partners are invited to come on board for the future events.

The BoG was informed that the PCB has submitted expression of interest for six ICC Events in the 2024-31 cycle. ‘

Of these six events, the PCB is keen to host the three-venue ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and 2029 on its own, while it has offered to host the remaining four events – two eight-venue ICC T2o World Cups 2026 and 2028, as well as the two 10-venue ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups 2027 and 2031 – in partnership with other Asian countries.

The PCB remains hopeful that it will earn hosting rights of at least one event. Pakistan last staged an ICC event in 1996.