The 2025 Champions Trophy was poised to be a milestone event for Pakistan cricket, marking the return of an ICC tournament to the nation after a long hiatus. However, the occasion didn’t turn out as hoped, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faced significant financial setbacks while hosting the event.
Reports indicate that the PCB splurged a whopping INR 869 crore just to set up the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. This game also ended up being the single completed match played on home turf during the tournament.
Skipping over the unrelated add images, let’s dive into the financial strain the PCB faced during the Champions Trophy. The tournament’s Pakistan segment took place across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. The Telegraph revealed that the PCB invested PKR 18 billion (around $58 million) to upgrade these three venues. Unfortunately, this expenditure was 50% beyond their planned budget. They further shelled out $40 million for event preparations, bringing in just $6 million in return from hosting fees, ticket sales, and sponsorships. This financial imbalance led to a total loss nearing $85 million, affecting 85% of their budget and far surpassing their expectations.
Adding to the woes, Pakistan had limited success on the field. They played only one match at home in Karachi against New Zealand. The subsequent match against India took place in Dubai, reflecting the tournament’s hybrid model. Their final group stage game against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was washed out due to heavy rain, denying them a shot at a consolatory victory since they were already out of contention.
The financial blow of the tournament also had repercussions for the players. It was reported that their match fees for the National T20 Championship were drastically cut by 90%. According to ‘Dawn,’ a leading Pakistani newspaper, the fee went from INR 40,000 to INR 10,000 without any board announcement. Fortunately, the PCB chairman stepped in to overturn this decision, instructing a review. Though no official statement has been made, insiders suggest the revised fee is set at ₹30,000 per match, slightly lower than the previous year.
Overall, Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign fell flat, with expectations misplaced in their first home ICC event in 29 years. They struggled on the field, getting knocked out in the group stage after losses against New Zealand and India, and finishing last in their pool. Meanwhile, India emerged victorious, clinching the title by defeating New Zealand in the Dubai final.
