The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) subcommittee chaired by Malik Amir Dogar on Wednesday reviewed the Cabinet Division’s Audit Report for 2022-23 and flagged multiple financial irregularities in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), including a default by former chairman Najam Sethi and mismanagement of Pakistan Super League (PSL) branding and sponsorship contracts.
The audit revealed that Rs. 6.9 million in advances paid to Najam Sethi remain unrecovered, despite total payments amounting to Rs. 26.2 million given to the former PCB chairman. PCB officials informed the committee that recovery is currently stayed by court orders. PAC directed settlement after verification of the court order.
The committee also noted that PCB failed to collect Rs. 31.9 million in income tax from players awarded prize money in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 5 and 6. Although Rs. 21.3 million was distributed as prize money, tax collection remained incomplete. PAC instructed the PCB to settle the issue after verifying receipts.
Additionally, the audit pointed out irregularities worth billions in PSL 5 and 6. A live-streaming contract worth Rs. 180 million and a truck branding rights contract were awarded in a non-transparent manner. A sponsorship deal for Instadia rights in PSL 5, valued at Rs. 330 million, was also flagged. In all these cases, the individuals responsible are no longer employed by PCB.
PAC warned that unresolved cases would be referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The committee also sought a full list of PCB board members and noted the PCB’s failure to provide complete records during the audit process.
Separately, the committee raised concerns about the Islamabad Club’s pending membership applications. Currently, 1,019 applications have been pending for five years, with Rs. 310 million collected in advance fees. With over 10,000 members already, the Cabinet Division said the club’s membership cap may be increased to 12,000.
PAC has directed the Cabinet Division and PCB to resolve all issues within 60 days.
