The Cabinet Division’s audit report for 2023–24 has revealed financial mismanagement and irregularities exceeding Rs6 billion within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
According to the Auditor General of Pakistan, the PCB exceeded its allocated budget by Rs660 million. The audit report stated that the PCB failed to recover Rs5.34 billion in sponsorship revenues.
It also recorded a loss of Rs440 million after the board sold media rights below the reserve price.
Despite access to 14 bulletproof vehicles during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches, the PCB incurred a loss of Rs22.5 million through the rental of coasters. Additionally, these bulletproof vehicles consumed Rs20 million worth of diesel funded by the public exchequer.
The PCB chairman authorised unauthorised expenditures amounting to Rs4.1 million on utility bills, fuel and hotel accommodation. The report noted that the chairman, despite being granted ministerial privileges, was not authorised to make such additional expenses. The auditor general recommended recovery of the amount from the individual concerned.
The police force deployed for match security consumed meals worth Rs63.3 million, which the auditor general declared unauthorised. Police personnel were also given 20 fixed daily allowances.
Officials stated that VVIP-level security was arranged for participating teams on the orders of the premier. However, audit authorities maintained that this responsibility lay with the relevant provincial or federal authorities.
The audit further disclosed an unauthorised payment of over Rs 5.5 million to the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad. Meanwhile, the Islamabad Club generated Rs22.5 million through commercial use of government facilities.
The appointment of a Director of Media at a monthly salary of Rs900,000 and the disbursement of Rs8.1 million in this regard were also flagged as irregular.
Additional irregularities were identified in a $120,000 contract for ticketing services awarded without open competition. The report cited discrepancies in match fees, appointment of coaching staff, broadcasting rights, and the rental of bulletproof vehicles.
The Auditor General recommended full recovery of all unauthorised expenditures and disciplinary action against those found responsible.
