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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for its next meeting and has requested details of the expenses incurred during the Champions Trophy.
During a meeting chaired by Junaid Akbar, the PAC reviewed an audit para regarding the non-distribution of approximately Rs 2 billion allocated for PSL 8. Audit officials briefed the committee, stating that this amount had not been distributed between PCB and the franchises, raising concerns over financial management.
The committee expressed its displeasure over the absence of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar questioned whether the PCB Chairman should have been present at the meeting. In response, the Cabinet Secretary explained that due to incidents in Quetta and Balochistan, it was not possible for Naqvi to attend.
The Cabinet Secretary further pointed out that Mohsin Naqvi holds multiple key positions, which prevent him from effectively fulfilling his responsibilities. Senator Fauzia Arshad strongly suggested that Naqvi’s additional positions should be revoked, emphasizing the need for dedicated leadership.
Expressing his disappointment, Sanaullah Masti Khel stated that it was unfortunate that the Interior Minister was abroad instead of being present in the country. He remarked that in such circumstances, the minister was failing to perform his duties. Additionally, he criticized the interim setup for illegally placing PCB under the cabinet’s jurisdiction. However, the Cabinet Secretary later clarified that he had just received information that the Interior Minister was, in fact, in the country and not abroad.
Syed Naveed Qamar asserted that the audit para could not be discussed in the absence of the PCB Chairman. Senator Fauzia Arshad insisted that Naqvi should be summoned. In response, the PAC Chairman humorously remarked, “Do you want me to spend the rest of my days in jail?” Naveed Qamar countered by stating that, apart from a privilege motion, the committee had various options available. He further pointed out that if a person fails to appear upon being summoned, a notice can be issued, and under the powers of a civil judge, an arrest warrant can also be issued.
Following these discussions, the PAC officially summoned PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for its next meeting.
During the session, the PAC Chairman remarked that he had heard that the expenses for the Champions Trophy 2025 amounted to Rs 29 billion, while the revenue was merely around Rs 1 billion.
In response, PCB’s Chief Finance Officer refuted the claim, clarifying that the tournament was organized by the ICC and that the budget for the Champions Trophy was $70 million.
PAC members raised further questions regarding the funds used for stadium renovations and demanded a detailed report on the expenses incurred during the Champions Trophy. The committee remains keen on obtaining clarity on financial matters and ensuring transparency in PCB’s financial operations.
