Pakistan Cricket Board hit by financial scandal, Audit reveals: Report

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing serious questions after the Auditor General of Pakistan published an atrocious audit report revealing corruption, financial discrepancies, and very poor management of the PCB during 2023. The report outlines millions of rupees due to spending not supported by PCB approvals, dubious appointments, and questionable contracts entered into during the tenures of Mohsin Naqvi and Zaka Ashraf.

The biggest red flag revealed was the mishandling of 63.39 million Pakistani rupees that were disbursed to police for food while they were on duty, providing security for international matches. There were no contracts or any other documented evidence for this disbursement. In a related matter, the audit also pointed out that the board spent 19.8 million rupees on diesel for transporting soldiers in bulletproof vehicles and that they spent 4.17 million rupees on personal utility bills when directly attributed to Naqvi himself, which was clearly against government policy.

PCB Involved in Deceptive Hires and Irregular Payments

According to the audit, three under-16 coaches were employed at the Karachi High-Performance Centre through an informal hiring process costing the board 5.4 million rupees. The board also paid 3.9 million rupees too much to match officials, amongst dichotomous requirements of match-fixing and limited oversight. There was also a Media Director position for 900,000 rupees a month, and vehicles (coasters) bought by PCB for transportation without the approval of the board, which totaled 22.5 million rupees.

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The audit criticized PCB for awarding ticketing contracts and media rights contracts outside of equal bidding or even considering competing tenders. The media rights deal with the board, which valued the deal at 198 million rupees, was a total loss compared to the market value. The contracts have again increased transparency and accountability, and have raised public uproar for more governance and accountability.

Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Under Scrutiny

Current PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, is at the center of these corruption allegations. His dual role has sparked concern, and while his ministerial status gives him legal protection, public pressure is mounting.

Fans and critics have already been questioning the board’s leadership after Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy and the frequent changes in the coaching staff. This audit has further damaged the PCB's reputation.

Highlights:
- 63.39 million rupees wasted on police catering.
- 5.4 million rupees spent on wrongful coaching appointments.
- Media Director employed at 900,000 rupees/month without a public appointment.
- 198 million rupees wasted on a misplaced media rights deal.
- Chairman Naqvi, in the spotlight for abusing 4.17 million rupees of public money.

The Pakistani government is likely to investigate further and may follow up with legal repercussions. Cricket fans and stakeholders in Pakistan are demanding a greater level of transparency and accountability from the PCB and reforms to ensure the future of Pakistan cricket.