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South China Morning Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Audit finds US$21 million financial irregularities in Pakistan Cricket Board
An audit report has found financial irregularities to the tune of more than 6 billion rupees (US$21 million) and governance issues within the Pakistan Cricket Board dating back two years. Advertisement The Auditor General of Pakistan's report for the 2023-24 financial year was published in The News and highlighted the non-recovery of outstanding sponsorship worth 5.3 billion rupees as the major discrepancy identified. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is the third person in four years to lead the sport's national administration, following Ramiz Raja and Zaka Ashraf. He is also a government minister. The report also questioned the 63.39 million rupees (US$220,000) the PCB spent on meals for police and law enforcement personnel assigned for the security of foreign teams during international matches in Pakistan. Auditors said providing security was the responsibility of governments, and disagreed with the PCB's explanation that visiting international teams were given extra safety guarantees that required heavy police deployment. Advertisement The report also flagged the hiring of three junior regional coaches who did not meet the eligibility criteria and the appointment of a media director outside the proper procedure.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan cricket in turmoil! Audit exposes crores in corruption and overpayments
NEW DELHI: The Auditor General of Pakistan has flagged major financial irregularities amounting to millions of rupees within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), including unauthorised appointments and excess payments to match officials. The audit report points to instances of corruption during 2023, when the board was under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi and Zaka Ashraf. Among the key findings is the misappropriation of 63.39 million Pakistani rupees paid to police for providing meals during international match security duties. The report also highlights the unauthorized hiring of three under-16 coaches at the Karachi High Performance Centre, which resulted in salary payouts of 5.4 million rupees. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Further, match officials were overpaid by 3.9 million rupees, raising concerns around potential match-fixing. The report also questions the hiring of a Media Director with a hefty monthly salary of 900,000 rupees. Additionally, the audit notes that ticketing contracts were awarded without following proper competitive bidding procedures. These revelations have further strained the PCB's already fragile administrative reputation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi—who concurrently serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister—is now under heightened scrutiny. However, his ministerial position grants him certain legal protections. Washington Sundar press conference: On Gautam Gambhir's support, last over drama, winning at Lord's The board has already come under fire following Pakistan's early exit from the Champions Trophy, which they hosted. Fans and officials have also criticised the frequent changes in coaching staff and team leadership over the past two years. These audit findings add to the growing list of controversies surrounding the PCB and offer detailed evidence of financial mismanagement within the country's cricket administration. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
India Today
13-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Pakistan Cricket Board under fire for illegal activities, financial irregularities
The Auditor General of Pakistan has exposed a number of financial irregularities running into millions of rupees, illegal appointments and award of contracts in the Pakistan Cricket Audit report has mentioned several instance of irregularities including a payment of 63.39 million rupees to the police for meals for providing security during international report also mentioned unauthorised appointment of three coaches in the under -16 age group at the high performance centre in Karachi for a total salary of 5.4 million rupees, and irregular award of ticketing contracts without open The PCB during the fiscal year June 2023 and July 2024 has had two separate chairmen in Zaka Ashraf and Mohsin former test captain Ramiz Raja was removed as Chairman in December 2022 the PCB has had three Chairmen including Najam Sethi from December 2022 to June 2023, Zaka Ashraf June 2023 to January 2024 and Mohsin Naqvi February 2024 to report also mentioned overpayment to match officials on account of match fees 3.8 million rupees, irregular appointment of Director media for 900,000 per month and unauthorized payments of 4.17 million rupees to Chairman from February to June 2024 as payment of utility charges, POL and accommodation even while the Chairman was holding the office of Interior Minister and all his benefits stood covered under the report has also highlighted how a Director Media was appointed in October 2023 without any process as the post was advertised on August 17 but the appointment, day of application, approval of appointment, issuance of appointment letter, signing of agreement and joining was all done on the same day October 2, is not the first time the AG Pakistan has flagged irregularities in the spending of the PCB and its activities but so far no Chairman has ever been held accountable in fact Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf both served multiple tenures in the AG has noted that money has been spent without authorisation or proper bids. It cited examples of 19.8 million being spent on diesel for bulletproof vehicles provided by Punjab government, 22.5 million being spent on hiring of coasters, 198 million loss due to award of media rights at less than reserved price, irregular award of international broadcasting rights without open competition USD 99 million and non-recovery of outstanding sponsorship amounts to the tune of 5.3 billion rupees etc.- EndsMust Watch
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Former PCB chairpersons praise Gaddafi stadium's rapid transformation
Listen to article Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairpersons, Najam Sethi and Zaka Ashraf, have both praised the remarkable transformation of Lahore's iconic Gaddafi Stadium, highlighting its swift development in a short period. Speaking on the significant makeover, both leaders lauded the efforts behind the renovation, describing the pace and scope of the project as extraordinary. "I have witnessed firsthand how the stadium has evolved, and this transformation in record time is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved within a year," said Najam Sethi, acknowledging the outstanding improvements that have significantly enhanced the venue. Zaka Ashraf echoed Sethi's sentiments, calling the transformation a prime example of how sports infrastructure can be revitalised efficiently. 'The Gaddafi Stadium now stands as a modern facility, and the speed with which this was achieved is commendable,' Ashraf remarked. Yesterday, in a significant moment just days before the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, marking a new era in the iconic venue's 65-year history. The evening featured performances by renowned singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig, followed by a spectacular drum performance and a dazzling fireworks display. A stunning light show will further elevate the grandeur of the event. During his speech, PM Shehbaz expressed immense joy over the successful and remarkable completion of the renovation of Gaddafi Stadium while acknowledging the efforts of the entire team involved, including the contractors and workers, under the supervision of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who made this possible. Earlier, speaking on the occasion, PCB chairman stated that approximately four months ago, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for this project. The stadium was an old structure, and our goal was to complete its renovation before the Champions Trophy. He mentioned that nearly 2,500 workers worked day and night, and in just 117 days, they managed to build a state-of-the-art stadium. He commended the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) for making the impossible possible and thanked the Pakistan Army for their crucial support, which enabled the project's completion in record time. Naqvi added that after nearly 30 years, the country is set to host a major tournament, and together, we will ensure its success. The opening ceremony promises to be an unforgettable experience, with a vibrant mix of music, dance, and fireworks. Fans treated to free entry, with the stadium gates opening at 5:30 pm, except for the Imran Khan enclosure, which is reserved for special guests. The newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium now boasts brighter LED lights, two large scoreboards, and imported seating across all enclosures, enhancing the viewing experience for spectators. In addition, around 10,000 new seats have been added, increasing the venue's capacity. The upgrades also include newly built hospitality boxes and improved facilities for players and fans, ensuring a world-class experience for everyone. The successful completion of the stadium's transformation in time for the Champions Trophy was no small feat, but under Naqvi's leadership, the PCB delivered the project in just 117 days. Gaddafi Stadium will kick off its post-renovation journey with the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series on February 8, where New Zealand will face off in what promises to be an exciting encounter. The stadium will also host four ICC Champions Trophy matches, including the second semi-final.
