PCB Shuts Down Financial Loss Claims, Declares Champions Trophy 2025 a Profitable Success

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorically denied reports circulating in Indian media regarding a financial loss of $85 million incurred by hosting the Champions Trophy 2025. Addressing the growing speculation, PCB representatives clarified that not only was there no financial burden on the board, but the event has also turned out to be a profitable venture for Pakistan cricket.

In a press conference held in Lahore, PCB Chairman’s advisor Amir Mir and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Javed Murtaza spoke candidly about the misinformation being spread and the actual financial figures stemming from the recently concluded global tournament.

“We need to expose the propaganda of the Indian media and anti-Pakistan elements who have been running a shop of lies. Unfortunately, even some local outlets have echoed these false narratives,” said Mir, as he addressed reporters. He reaffirmed that the tournament was organized without any financial contribution from the PCB itself.

According to Mir, the entirety of the Champions Trophy 2025 budget estimated at $70 million was funded by the International Cricket Council (ICC), a move that relieved PCB from bearing the operational costs typically associated with staging such a large-scale event. “PCB did not contribute any money for the Champions Trophy 2025; ICC covered all expenses,” he confirmed.

Contrary to the alleged financial strain, PCB projected a revenue gain of Rs3 billion, up from an earlier estimate of Rs2 billion. This surplus, as stated by the board, was generated largely through gate revenues from sold-out stadiums and ground rights deals, a testament to the enthusiastic fan response and commercial interest in the event.

“We have not only made a profit, but we have also contributed Rs4 billion in taxes to the government,” added Mir, countering the narrative that the tournament was a financial setback. “Our reserves are strong, and this tournament was a win on all fronts.”

The eight-team Champions Trophy 2025 was the first major ICC tournament hosted solely by Pakistan since the country's reentry into global cricket hosting duties. The event featured all top cricketing nations and was deemed logistically smooth and competitively balanced. With venues such as Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi successfully managing security, crowd control, and match-day operations, the PCB earned praise from stakeholders, players, and fans alike.

Amir Mir also emphasized that a formal audit of the tournament's financials is scheduled to be conducted, which will provide a clear, transparent view of the earnings and expenses. However, the early projections already suggest a considerable boost to PCB’s coffers and a wider economic uplift for Pakistan’s hospitality and tourism sectors during the tournament weeks.

“We understand the political undertones behind these false reports. The attempt is to discredit our progress and successful execution of a major global event,” Mir said. “But the numbers speak for themselves. The event was a success in every sense cricketing, financial, and administrative.”

This response comes amid increased scrutiny of cricket governance and transparency, with media across the subcontinent often amplifying politically charged narratives. In defending its position, the PCB has also highlighted the broader economic contributions it makes, including regular tax payments and domestic investment into the game.

While PCB awaits the full audit results to be finalized in the coming weeks, officials remain confident that their version of events will be backed by hard data.

For fans and followers, the Champions Trophy 2025 has already left a lasting legacy not only for bringing elite-level cricket to Pakistani soil but also for showing that the country can host, manage, and profit from the biggest events in the global cricketing calendar.

As Pakistan continues to push for greater involvement in international hosting, the successful Champions Trophy will likely be a major argument in future ICC bids. The board has already expressed interest in co-hosting upcoming ICC events and is expected to present this edition as a case study in organizational competence and commercial success.

With the cricketing calendar now shifting focus to the ICC World Test Championship and various T20 leagues worldwide, the Champions Trophy 2025 has carved its mark as a defining moment in Pakistan’s resurgence as a cricketing host and as a self-sufficient cricket board in financial and administrative terms.

The message from the PCB is loud and clear: Pakistan did not lose money. It gained momentum.