Champions Trophy 2025: PCB faces heavy financial loss amid hosting challenges

The 2025 Champions Trophy,  held in Pakistan for the first time in 29 years, marked a historic moment for the country’s cricket but turned out to be a financial and logistical disaster for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Despite investing a staggering INR 869 crore (PKR 18 billion) in upgrading three major venues which are Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi, PCB suffered a 85% loss. 

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The upgrades cost the PCB 50% more than their budget, totaling $58 million and an additional $40 million was spent on event preparations. However, the return was minimal, with only $6 million from the hosting fee, ticket sales and sponsorships resulting in a $85 million loss. 

The tournament saw only one completed home game, where Pakistan played against New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium. Their next match, against Bangladesh was canceled due to rain, along with two other matches, leaving eight of the scheduled games unfulfilled in Pakistan. 

As a result of this financial setback, the PCB has reduced match fees for domestic cricketers, cutting national T20 championship payments by 90% and reserve player payments by 87.5%. Once accommodated in five-star hotels, players now find themselves in budget accommodations while PCB administrators continue to draw high salaries. 

In a response to a fee reduction controversy, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi intervened, directing a reassessment of the decision to lower match fees which had been reduced from  Rs 40,000 to Rs 10,000. Sources suggest the revised fee is Rs 30,000 per match, still lower than last year’s rate.