KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed the Board of Governors in its 63rd meeting that they have submitted an expression of interest for six ICC events in the 2024-31 cycle.
According to details, the PCB is keen to host the three-venue ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and 2029 on its own, while it has offered to host the remaining four events – two eight-venue ICC T20 World Cup in 2026 and 2028.
They are interested in hosting 10-venue ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups 2027 and 2031 – in partnership with other Asian countries.
The ICC’s evaluation committee will now examine and evaluate the PCB as well as other members’ expression of interests and revert with their decision before the second phase of the event hosting process begins in September.
The PCB remains hopeful that it will earn hosting rights of, at least, one event, which, in turn, will act as a great boost to Pakistan, which last staged an ICC event in 1996.
2021-22 budget approved
The BoG approved an activity-based annual budget for its 2021-22 fiscal year.
The PCB has budgeted a total spend of Rs8.997billion for its cricketing and operational activities that revolve around home and away from international series by its national sides, domestic cricket operations, operational expenses of the newly formed six cricket associations, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and its administrative expenses.
There is an increase of roughly around Rs2billion in its allocation compared to the past year. This is mainly due to the increase in international series (from nine to 16), more domestic events (from 11 to 18), retainership increase from 10 percent to 25 percent of both men and women cricketers, equalization of match fee for the men’s side, an inflationary adjustment to its staff salaries, the production cost of home cricketing series and Covid-19 related protocols.
PSL 6
The BoG congratulated the PCB management on the successful completion of the HBL PSL 6 in incredibly difficult situations as well as Multan Sultans on their maiden success under the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium floodlights in Abu Dhabi.
The BoG also appreciated the support of all the six franchise owners in the delivery of one of the most popular leagues in the world as well as all the players who spent extended time in a bubble in Abu Dhabi and, despite the difficult circumstances, played outstanding cricket.
Club registrations
The BoG noted with satisfaction that more than 93,000 cricketers from over 3,800 clubs have registered online and will now shortly go through the scrutiny and screening process before participation in grassroots cricket commences across the country.
The BoG advised the PCB to hold quarterly meetings with the chairs of the six cricket association to understand the progress they are making along with any challenges being faced and finding ways to further support and assist them in becoming self-reliant and autonomous.
