A recent audit has revealed over PKR 6 billion (around $21 million) in financial irregularities and governance lapses within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), covering a two-year period.
The Auditor General of Pakistan’s report for the 2023-24 fiscal year, as cited by The News, identified the non-recovery of outstanding sponsorship dues worth PKR 5.3 billion ($18.6 million) as the most significant discrepancy.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as a federal minister, is the third individual to lead the board in the past four years, succeeding Ramiz Raja and Zaka Ashraf.
The audit questioned the PCB’s expenditure of PKR 63.39 million ($220,000) on meals for police and law enforcement personnel deployed for the security of foreign teams during international matches. Auditors argued that ensuring security falls under government responsibility, rejecting the PCB’s justification that extra measures were necessary for foreign team safety.
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Other concerns raised include the irregular hiring of three junior regional coaches who did not meet eligibility criteria, and the appointment of a media director outside standard procedures. Additionally, unauthorized compensation provided to Naqvi for utilities, fuel, and accommodation was flagged, as he already receives government benefits.
The PCB has yet to respond.
Source: Agency