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Pakistan’s humiliating exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has not only disappointed fans but has also triggered concerns at the highest level of government. According to reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to take notice of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) expenditure and structural flaws, following the team’s string of poor performances in ICC events.
The revelation comes from Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Advisor, who, in an explosive interview with Dawn Newspaper, criticized the autonomy and financial decisions of the PCB under its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.
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PM’s Advisor Blasts PCB’s Overspending
Sanaullah did not hold back in his scathing remarks about how the PCB operates, suggesting that while the board is an independent institution, it has failed to deliver results.
“The cricket board is an independent institution. They can do as they please, which they have. And what they’ve done, it is my personal opinion that I will request the Prime Minister to discuss the matter in the cabinet and parliament. This is not about any particular instance or any one chairman; this is a process that has been happening for the past five or ten years.”
Sanaullah also highlighted the excessive spending on the Champions Trophy, revealing that the PCB spent an enormous PKR 900 million on the tournament despite the lack of success.
Stadium Renovation Costs Soar Beyond Budget
One of the biggest financial concerns surrounding the PCB’s spending is the renovation of stadiums ahead of the Champions Trophy. According to reports, the PCB had originally allocated PKR 12.3 billion for the project. However, the final costs exceeded the budget by nearly PKR 6 billion, a significant overrun.
This has raised serious questions about financial mismanagement and whether the resources were used efficiently to improve Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure.
Champions Cup Also Under Fire
Sanaullah also took aim at PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s Champions Cup, a tournament designed to develop Pakistan’s domestic players. Instead of achieving its intended purpose, the initiative is now being questioned over wasteful spending and mismanagement.
One of the most shocking allegations concerns the coaches and mentors hired for the tournament. According to Sanaullah, some of the mentors did not even know their responsibilities yet were being paid an astonishing PKR 5 million per month.
“Mentors are being paid PKR 5 million and have been heard admitting to the media that they are unaware of their responsibilities. So, they’ve been taking PKR 5 million monthly for not working. If you see their perks and privileges, you will be surprised, and you’ll wonder if this is Pakistan or some progressive European nation. These are all things that the Prime Minister himself will take notice of.”
Also Check: CT 2025: “Apart from Babar, what other options we have?”- Aaqib Javed says lack of experience hurt Pakistan
Pakistan’s Downfall in ICC Events Continues
Pakistan’s latest group-stage exit in the Champions Trophy 2025 marks a third consecutive failure in ICC tournaments. Since reaching the T20 World Cup 2022 final, the team has suffered early eliminations in the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and now the Champions Trophy.
With growing frustration among fans and mounting political pressure, major changes could be on the horizon for Pakistan cricket, as the government appears set to scrutinize PCB’s management and financial decisions.
