Pakistan has faced a staggering financial setback following the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, incurring losses amounting to approximately Rs 869 crore (around $85 million).
This event marked Pakistan’s first global cricket tournament in 29 years, but it has turned out to be a costly venture for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Financial Breakdown of the Hosting Costs
According to reports, the PCB allocated PKR 18 billion (approximately $58 million) for the renovation of three major stadiums located in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.
This expenditure exceeded their initial budget by over 50%. In addition to the stadium upgrades, the PCB spent around $40 million on various preparations for the tournament.
However, the financial returns were dismal; they received only about $6 million in hosting fees from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and minimal revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships.
Match Attendance and Performance
The Pakistan cricket team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, played only one home match during the tournament against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Their other scheduled matches included a game against India held in Dubai and a match against Bangladesh that was washed out without a toss in Rawalpindi.
Out of eight matches hosted in Pakistan, three ended without a result due to weather conditions, further compounding the PCB’s financial woes.
Impact on Players and Management
The repercussions of this financial mismanagement have been felt deeply within the cricketing community.
Reports indicate that match fees for players participating in the national T20 championship have been slashed by 90%, while payments for reserve players have been reduced by 87.5%.
Players who were once accustomed to staying in five-star accommodations have now been relegated to budget hotels, while PCB administrators continue to draw substantial salaries.
The massive financial loss incurred by Pakistan following the Champions Trophy 2025 has raised serious concerns about the PCB’s financial management and planning capabilities.
As they grapple with these challenges, it remains to be seen how the board will recover and what measures will be implemented to prevent similar situations in the future.
