PCB gets BoG approval for increased investment in domestic and women's cricket

 PCB gets BoG approval for increased investment in domestic and women's cricket

PCB allocates Rs 12-8 billion for stadium upgradation

Asher Butt 

The PCB Board of Governors has approved significant increase for investment in domestic and women's cricket and also given a go ahead for the upgradation of stadium with an allocation of 12 billion 80 crore rupees and a number of grounds across the country ahead of the next year’s Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held its 72nd Board of Governors meeting on Saturday, with Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi presiding. The meeting, held at the National Cricket Academy, focused on key decisions regarding finances, infrastructure development, and player contracts.

The Board approved the PCB's budget estimates for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25. The BoG also opted to increase investment in Domestic Cricket. A significant boost was allocated for domestic cricket, with funds of PKR 4.5 billion earmarked for its promotion. This includes the PCB directly maintaining 12 grounds and providing funding for staffing and maintenance of 100 grounds across Pakistan.

The meeting also saw approval for an increase in domestic cricket player contracts, recognizing their contributions, informed Rafi Ullah, a PCB official.

He further confided that in a landmark decision, an increase from PKR 70 lakh to PKR 240 lakh for the women's cricket budget was seen, signifying a commitment to women's cricket development. Additionally, central contracts for women cricketers were also approved for an increase.

The BOG also approved stadium upgradation projects. Approval was granted for the upgradation project of Gaddafi Stadium from the PCB's Development Budget. The Board allocated PKR 12.8 billion for the upgradation of National Bank Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Stadium. Chairman Naqvi assured that these renovations would be completed before the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for Pakistan next year.

Chairman Naqvi emphasized that the stadium upgradation projects would enhance facilities for cricket fans, ensuring a world-class experience during the Champions Trophy. The PCB vowed to make arrangements for the Champions Trophy that meet the highest international standards, he added and further stated that Chairman Naqvi highlighted ongoing efforts to identify and develop new venues for future tournaments and matches.

Chairman Naqvi also outlined various measures being taken to strengthen the domestic cricket structure. The meeting also saw discussions on suggestions for further improvement.

Board members who were present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Sajjad Ali Khokhar, Zafarullah Jadgal, Tanveer Ahmed, Tariq Sarwar, Dr. Anwar Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Meraj Mehmood, Isama Azhar, Director Domestic Cricket Abdullah Khurram Niazi.

The meeting concluded with a briefing by Secretary Board and Chief Operating Officer PCB Salman Naseer and Chief Financial Officer Javed Murtaza on the key features of the budget and other pertinent issues.

“This 72nd Board of Governors meeting signifies the PCB's commitment to financial transparency, infrastructure development, and the growth of both domestic and women's cricket in Pakistan,” said the PCB official.