Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) engaged in discussions over unpaid financial expenses during the Asia Cup 2023 at the recent meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in Bali, Indonesia. This tournament, co-hosted by both countries, saw the implementation of a Hybrid model by the PCB for the 50-over event.
Initially planned to take place in Pakistan, the Asia Cup 2023 had to be relocated after the BCCI refused to send the Indian team due to security concerns. Consequently, the PCB shifted India’s matches, along with some group matches and the knockout round, to Sri Lanka.
The SLC and PCB had signed various agreements pertaining to expenses such as hotels, flights, accommodation, and venue charges. As per the agreements, the PCB was to pay $281,700 to Sri Lanka for four chartered planes, followed by an agreement to spend nearly $2,069,885 for venue charges in the island nation.
Then Chief Najam Sethi, who oversaw the proceedings of hosting the continental event, paid 75% of the sum and agreed to settle the remaining amount after the tournament. However, payments for hotel bills are still outstanding, and SLC President Shami Silva raised this issue during a recent ACC meeting, as reported by Cricket Pakistan.
The meeting, attended by ACC President Jay Shah, saw Silva being encouraged to schedule meetings with the PCB to address the matter directly. Shah's cryptic request could also indicate his reluctance to assist the Pakistani board.
In response, the PCB asserted that the ACC shares responsibility for the outstanding payments, as they compelled them to organise the Asia Cup 2023 in a hybrid model. They also disclosed that the ACC had allocated only $2.5 million as hosting fees, whereas the actual cost of organising the tournament exceeded $4 million.
What Actions Will PCB Take Amid Financial Challenges and Office Tensions?
Cricket in Pakistan is currently facing challenges as they anticipate the appointment of a new PCB chief following the resignation of Zaka Ashraf. There are discussions about changing the team director role, which Mohammad Hafeez has been handling since November without receiving a proper salary.
Adding to the complexity, the SLC raised this issue at an inopportune moment when the PCB itself was grappling with internal turmoil. The internal conflicts within the Pakistan board have directly affected the team’s performance as well.
After Babar Azam relinquished the captaincy following Pakistan's exit from the CWC 2023, PCB appointed Shan Masood as the Test captain and Shaheen Afridi as the T20I captain. Their tenure under the new regime began with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to World champions Australia in the Benaud-Qadir Test series, followed by a 4-1 loss to New Zealand in the T20I series.
With the Pakistan Super League on the horizon, all eyes may now shift towards the ninth edition. However, the ongoing financial disputes between PCB and SLC are anticipated to escalate in the coming days.
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