Champions Trophy: PCB dismisses financial losses claim by Indian media

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) categorically dismissed claims by Indian media regarding the alleged financial losses linked to the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

A representative from the PCB described the claims as ‘fabricated’ and ‘baseless’. They stated that the claims stem from unfounded speculations rather than verified facts.

Read more: The bad precedent set by the 2025 Champions Trophy

The spokesperson clarified that the PCB did not experience any financial setbacks from the tournament; noting instead that the board is expected to receive $6 million as a hosting fee.

The controversy emerged following an Indian media report that claimed the PCB incurred a loss of $85 million while organising the Champions Trophy.

The report suggested that the PCB’s finical difficulties forced the board to take ‘severe’ measures, including a drastic cut in match fees for players involved in the national T20 tournament and a shift from five-star accommodation to a more budge-friendly hotel.  

The Indian media also claimed that the cricketing landscape in Pakistan was already in ‘turmoil’ with the men’s national team struggling to secure favourable outcomes in international competitions.  

The alleged losses from the Champions Trophy were said to have ‘worsened’ the situation, particularly after the team managed to play only a single match on home soil.

Indian media alleges that the PCB invested around $58 million to improve the stadiums in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi for the tournament. The expenditure reportedly exceeded the initial budget by almost 50 per cent.

What’s the source of all these allegations by the Indian media is a mystery.

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The PCB spokesperson stated that the decisions regarding income from gate receipts would be made after an audit in the coming months, and the ICC would cover expenses related to hotel accommodations, airfare, prize money and other costs associated with the tournament.