Lagatar24 Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan’s humiliating exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked serious concerns, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set to intervene in the affairs of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Advisor to the PM, Rana Sanaullah, stated that the Prime Minister will take notice of the mismanagement within PCB, currently led by Mohsin Naqvi.
PM to Scrutinize PCB’s Structural Failures
In an interview with Dawn, Rana Sanaullah criticized the lack of accountability in PCB, despite its autonomous status. He revealed that the cricket board overspent massively on the Champions Trophy preparations and operated without oversight.
“The cricket board is an independent institution. They can do as they please, which they have. But what they have done is unacceptable. I will request the Prime Minister to discuss the matter in the cabinet and parliament,” said Sanaullah.
He emphasized that the PCB’s financial irregularities and decade-long inefficiencies must be examined at the government level.
“This is not about one instance or a particular chairman. This has been happening for the past five or ten years,” he added.
Champions Trophy Renovation Budget Exceeds Limits
The Pakistan government had initially allocated PKR 12.3 billion for stadium renovations in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi to prepare for the Champions Trophy. However, the actual expenditure ballooned by nearly PKR 6 billion, significantly exceeding the allocated budget, according to reports by PTI.
Sanaullah slammed PCB’s extravagant spending, questioning the lack of transparency in their financial management.
“The expenses happening at a higher level should be presented to the country and parliament,” he asserted.
Champions Cup a Massive Failure
The Champions Cup, introduced as a domestic tournament to develop Pakistani players, also came under heavy criticism. Sanaullah blasted PCB for appointing unqualified mentors, accusing them of taking large salaries without delivering results.
“Mentors are being paid PKR 5 million monthly, and they themselves have admitted they don’t know what their responsibilities are. They’re essentially being paid to do nothing,” he said.
He further remarked that the lavish perks and privileges provided to PCB officials were excessive and mismanaged, comparing them to European nations rather than a financially struggling Pakistan.
Pakistan Cricket in Freefall
Since their runner-up finish in the 2022 T20 World Cup, Pakistan has failed in three consecutive ICC tournaments, crashing out in the group stages. This downward spiral has prompted discussions about major changes within the PCB and team management.
Sanaullah assured that PM Shehbaz Sharif will personally review the crisis and take corrective measures.
