The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is confronting significant financial losses as it gears up to host the 2025 Champions Trophy. Recently, the PCB failed to secure any bids for the international media rights for the upcoming home Test series against England, which is set to take place from October 7 to October 28 in Multan and Rawalpindi.
Unattractive Media Rights Offers
According to reports from Cricket Pakistan, the PCB was seeking $21 million for a three-year package of international media rights. However, offers came in much lower: Sports Five proposed $7.8 million, while Willow TV offered just $2.25 million. The PCB turned down these bids, unwilling to accept such diminished figures.
During a re-tendering process for selective series rights, the PCB accepted a joint bid of only $99,000 from two companies, but the larger media rights for the 2024–26 season remain unsold. With reports suggesting that the PCB may have to sell the rights at significantly reduced prices, this could lead to a substantial financial blow for the board.
Reasons Behind the Lack of Interest
The lack of bids from international media companies could be linked to the Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing performances over recent seasons. “Men in Green” faced early exits in two consecutive World Cups (2023 and 2024) and struggled against Bangladesh in a home Test series.
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Adding to the challenge, star player Babar Azam has not scored an international century in over a year, and speculation surrounding a rift between him and teammate Shaheen Afridi has further cast a shadow over the team’s morale.
Despite these setbacks, the PCB is preparing to host the 2025 Champions Trophy. Earlier this month, the ICC provided a boost by approving three designated venues for the tournament, giving the PCB some hope amidst the financial turmoil.
