A recent audit by the Auditor General of Pakistan has uncovered over Rs6 billion in financial irregularities within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the fiscal year 2023–24. The Cabinet Division’s audit report paints a troubling picture of budget overspending, mismanagement, and unauthorised expenditures at one of the country’s most high-profile institutions.

According to the findings, the PCB overshot its approved budget by Rs660 million and failed to collect Rs5.34 billion in sponsorship revenues. Furthermore, the board incurred a Rs440 million loss by selling media rights below the established reserve price.

The report also criticized the board’s logistical spending during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Despite having access to 14 bulletproof vehicles, the PCB rented additional coasters, causing a Rs22.5 million loss. Fuel costs for the bulletproof vehicles amounted to Rs20 million, all paid from public funds.

One of the key points of concern was unauthorised spending by the PCB chairman, who reportedly spent Rs4.1 million on hotel stays, fuel, and utilities. Although the chairman enjoys ministerial-level privileges, the auditor noted that these specific expenditures were beyond the scope of his approved entitlements. Recovery of the amount has been recommended.

Security arrangements during PSL matches also came under scrutiny. Meals worth Rs63.3 million were provided to the police deployed for match security—an expense the auditor deemed unauthorised. The report also flagged the provision of 20 fixed daily allowances to police personnel, suggesting that the responsibility for such arrangements rests with federal or provincial authorities, not the PCB.

Further financial lapses included an unauthorised Rs5.5 million payment to Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad and Rs22.5 million in earnings by the Islamabad Club from commercial use of government properties.

The audit also highlighted the controversial appointment of a Director of Media on a salary of Rs900,000 per month, resulting in a Rs8.1 million outlay flagged as irregular. In addition, a $120,000 contract for ticketing services was awarded without competitive bidding, violating procurement rules.

Other areas of concern included inconsistencies in match fee payments, irregular appointments in the coaching staff, non-transparent broadcasting agreements, and questionable vehicle rental practices.

The Auditor General has called for a full recovery of all unauthorised funds and disciplinary action against those responsible. The revelations have raised serious questions about accountability and governance within Pakistan’s cricketing body at a time when public scrutiny and financial transparency are increasingly in the spotlight.