An explosive audit reviewed by a Pakistan Cabinet Public Accounts Committee (PAC) subcommittee has uncovered potential financial mismanagement worth billions of rupees by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the center of the findings, according to a report by ProPakistani.
The subcommittee, led by Malik Amir Dogar, examined the Cabinet Division’s Audit Report for 2022-23 and flagged several serious issues — from non-transparent contract awards to uncollected taxes and pending financial recoveries tied to former PCB leadership.
Unrecovered payments to Najam Sethi
The audit identified that Rs. 6.9 million in advances paid to former PCB Chairman Najam Sethi remain unrecovered. These advances are part of a broader total of Rs. 26.2 million in payments. According to the report, PCB officials told the committee that the recovery is stalled due to court orders, but PAC instructed that the matter be settled once the court directive is verified.
PSL sponsorship and branding contracts under scrutiny
The PSL emerged as a major area of concern. The audit report highlighted irregularities in branding and sponsorship contracts for PSL seasons 5 and 6, involving large sums of money and questionable processes.
Among the contracts under scrutiny were:
- A live-streaming deal worth Rs. 180 million, allegedly awarded in a non-transparent manner.
- A truck branding rights contract, similarly flagged for lack of transparency.
- A Rs. 330 million sponsorship deal for in stadia rights during PSL 5.
In all these cases, the individuals who managed the deals are no longer employed by the PCB, making accountability more complicated.
Tax issues linked to PSL prize money
Another serious financial lapse revealed by the audit concerns uncollected income tax from players awarded prize money during PSL 5 and 6. While Rs. 21.3 million was distributed in prize money, Rs. 31.9 million in due taxes remains outstanding. The PAC has directed the PCB to verify receipts and resolve the issue.
Broader concerns and potential investigation
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the PCB’s failure to provide complete records during the audit process. It also requested a full list of current PCB board members. Importantly, the PAC warned that unresolved matters could be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further inquiry.
60-day deadline for PCB and Cabinet Division
In a broader directive, the PAC has given both the PCB and the Cabinet Division 60 days to resolve all identified issues. These include not just the financial discrepancies but also concerns around the Islamabad Club, where over 1,000 membership applications have been pending for five years, despite Rs. 310 million being collected in advance fees.
Fallout and accountability ahead?
The audit’s findings raise questions about PCB operations during the PSL 5 and 6 period.
As the PAC pushes for resolution, and the possibility of an FIA probe looms, the fallout from this audit could have lasting implications for how cricket is managed in Pakistan.
