Pakistan’s much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 ended in a financial and logistical nightmare for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Instead of marking a historic success, the tournament resulted in an $85 million loss, exposing poor planning and mismanagement. Players faced severe pay cuts, matches were washed out, and the once-promising event became a national embarrassment.
Massive Financial Losses
The PCB had high hopes for the Champions Trophy, investing $100 million to upgrade venues and organize the tournament. The board spent PKR 18 billion ($58 million) on renovating three stadiums—Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi—exceeding their original budget by 50 percent. An additional $40 million was poured into event preparations.
However, the returns were dismal. Hosting fees, ticket sales, and sponsorships brought in just $6 million, leading to a staggering $85 million deficit. Poor crowd turnout, expensive tickets, and ineffective promotions added to the financial disaster.
Read: New Zealand Aim for 2-0 Lead as Pakistan Seeks Redemption
Matches Washed Out, Fans Disappointed
Pakistan, the tournament host, played just one complete home match—against New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Their highly anticipated game against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a toss due to rain. Two more matches in Pakistan met the same fate, frustrating fans and stakeholders alike.
Empty stands painted a grim picture. The tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi saw a shockingly low turnout, a rare sight in a cricket-loving country. Security concerns, lack of marketing, and Pakistan’s underwhelming on-field performances further drove fans away.
Cricketers Face Pay Cuts
The aftermath of the financial crisis hit players hard. The PCB slashed National T20 Championship match fees by 90 percent, leaving players struggling with drastically reduced earnings. Reserve players saw their payments drop by 87.5 percent.
According to reports, match fees were cut from $460 to just $115 without any official announcement. Following backlash, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi intervened, increasing the amount to $345 per match, still significantly lower than previous payments. Meanwhile, players were moved to budget accommodations, but PCB officials allegedly continued receiving high salaries.
Where Did It Go Wrong?
Several factors contributed to the debacle:
- Poor Planning: PCB exceeded its budget but failed to prepare for unforeseen challenges like bad weather.
- Weak Promotions: The tournament lacked aggressive marketing, leading to low ticket sales.
- Expensive Tickets: High prices discouraged fans from attending matches.
- Security Concerns: Strict security measures made stadium access difficult for spectators.
- Pakistan’s Performance: The national team’s poor form dampened excitement, reducing fan engagement.
What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?
The Champions Trophy failure has raised serious concerns about PCB’s management and financial planning. With players struggling under pay cuts and fans losing interest, Pakistan cricket faces a tough road ahead. The board must now take urgent steps to rebuild confidence, improve event organization, and ensure that future tournaments don’t end in disaster.
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