KARACHI, May 10: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to face bankruptcy in next couple of years if foreign teams continue to refuse to visit Pakistan because of security reasons.
PCB had already suffered heavy losses last year, after Indians refused to tour Pakistan. The cancellation of India’s tour cost PCB almost US$ 600000.
“PCB will be bankrupt if the crisis continues with Pakistan cricket in next couple of years” its Director Brig. Munawar Rana said Friday.
New Zealand cricketers called off the second Test after a bomb blast outside the team’s hotel that killed 14 and injured 22 Wednesday.
The tour was to originally take place in September/October last year but cancelled following terrorists’ strikes in New York and Washington on Sept 11, 2001.
PCB faced heavy losses from Television rights, sponsorships and hoardings at the grounds after cancellation of the second Test.
Doubts are also hovering over tri-nation events in August/ September and Australian team’s tour to Pakistan in September/October.
PCB is paying over Rs 100 million annually on nearly 100 member staff employed at National Stadium in Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
PCB had already initiated moves to secure compensation from International Cricket Council (ICC) for losses they suffered following the cancellation of Indian tour to Pakistan and shifting of the home series against West Indies to Sharjah. —APP
