A scathing audit by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has uncovered over Rs6 billion in financial irregularities withiAudit uncovers major financial irregularities at PCB, including perks, losses, and suspect appointments
A scathing audit by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has uncovered over Rs6 billion in financial irregularities within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the fiscal year 2023–24. The findings — which include unauthorised payments, questionable appointments, and unrecovered revenues — were reported by TheNews.com.pk and have raised serious concerns about governance and financial oversight at the helm of Pakistan’s cricket administration.
Chairman’s benefits flagged as unauthorised
The audit revealed that Rs 4.17 million was paid to cover utility charges, fuel, and accommodation for the PCB Chairman between February and June 2024. Since the chairman was also serving as the Minister for Interior at the time — a position that already provides such benefits — auditors labeled the payments unauthorised.
In response, the PCB Management, as quoted by the audit report, maintained:
“Chairman PCB is authorised for utility expense as per bye-laws.”
However, the auditors rejected this explanation and recommended the recovery of the amount, along with verification of supporting records.
Hiring process for Director Media under scrutiny
Another irregularity flagged by the AGP involved the appointment of a Director Media in October 2023, on a gross salary of Rs 900,000 per month. The audit noted that the job was advertised in August, but the selected candidate applied, was approved, received the appointment letter, signed the agreement, and joined — all on the same day: October 2, 2023.
This timeline prompted the audit to recommend a fact-finding inquiry, which was endorsed by the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) during its meeting in January 2025.
Billions in unpaid sponsorships and irregular contract awards
The audit also documented the non-recovery of Rs5.3 billion in outstanding sponsorship revenue — by far the largest single financial discrepancy identified. No justification was provided for the lack of recovery, and the auditors urged immediate action to recover the funds.
Several commercial contracts were also awarded without proper competition:
- Media rights awarded below the reserve price, causing a loss of Rs439.9 million
- International broadcasting rights given without open bidding, valued at $99,999 (approx. Rs 27.4 million)
- A ticketing contract worth $120,000 also awarded without a competitive process
The AGP flagged all three deals as non-transparent and inconsistent with procurement norms.
Questionable payments tied to security and logistics
The PCB spent Rs63.39 million on meal charges for police and law enforcement personnel assigned to international cricket matches. Auditors noted that security arrangements fall under the responsibility of provincial or federal governments and deemed the expense unjustified.
Other flagged payments included:
- Rs22.5 million on hiring of coasters for team transportation
- Rs19.8 million in diesel for bulletproof vehicles provided by the Punjab government
- Rs 198 million for a surface travel contract awarded without open competition
- Rs5.5 million in unauthorised ground rent
- Rs3.9 million paid for office space under a fictitious lease agreement
All were cited as examples of wasteful expenditure or procedural violation.
Coaching hires and match fee overpayments
The audit also identified irregularities in the appointment of three Under-16 regional coaches in Karachi, costing Rs 5.4 million. The coaches were reportedly hired without meeting the required eligibility criteria. A fact-finding inquiry into the matter was directed by the DAC.
Additionally, Rs 3.8 million in overpayments to match officials was noted, reflecting further lapses in internal controls.
Current administration distances itself from findings
As reported by TheNews.com.pk, the PCB’s Director Media indicated that the irregularities occurred under previous leadership and suggested that former chairmen be approached for their version of events, noting that the current chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, was not in charge during the time under review.
Outlook: Reform and accountability expected
The AGP’s findings paint a troubling picture of unchecked financial mismanagement and structural weaknesses within the PCB. With billions left unrecovered and multiple contracts awarded without due process, pressure is mounting for greater oversight, transparency, and reform.
The fallout from the audit is expected to lead to calls for structural changes — both from government circles and within Pakistan’s cricketing establishment.
