Is the PCB right by prioritising PSL, BCCI compensation claim, bringing int'l cricket to Pakistan?

[Savak]

Am getting sick and tired of the easy criticism against the PCB for just focusing on the PSL, ruthlessly pursuing the PCB-BCCI compensation claim or the home/neutral venue Pak-India bilateral series and efforts to bring international cricket back to Pakistan.

The PCB as an organization needs massive injection of funds in order to do the following things

- Improving the state of the cricket grounds, pitches in domestic cricket all over Pakistan (no cheap task)

- Improving the state of cricket balls used in domestic cricket (no cheap task)

- Establishing more Cricket academies in other cities of Pakistan apart from NCA (no cheap task)

- Attracting quality legendary ex-test cricketers to coach the domestic teams, to coach the U-19 teams, the A teams (no cheap task)

- Sending Pakistani U-19 and A teams to consistent tours to places like England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and co (no cheap task)

The PSL apart from giving the PCB a revenue stream is more importantly highlighting international cricket in Pakistan, highlighting Pakistani domestic cricketers abroad, giving domestic players in Pakistan something to play for, giving the Pakistani nation a good PR image, soft image abroad and a feel good factor

Pursuing the PCB-BCCI compensation claim is a matter of principle, the BCCI has screwed the PCB for the last 10 years and has gone out of its way to impoverish Pakistan Cricket and has conveniently gotten GOI permission whenever it was their turn to host Pakistan, play Pakistan in ICC tournaments but has mysteriously raised GOI objections whenever it has come for the PCB's turn to host India. Must pursue this matter to the very end and not let either the BCCI and the ICC off the hook

Pursuing, lobbying and encouraging International teams to tour Pakistan, sending financial incentives to lesser well off boards is very much the step in the right direction. If it is left to the players from England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, they will never ever tour Pakistan ever and will go out of their way to ensure that remains the case and this is primarily because of lifestyle issues and now that the PCB has proven to the ICC and the entire world that it can safely host international teams in Pakistan, this state of affairs can no longer be allowed to continue. The PCB needs to be more aggressive regarding this and needs to demand any team that insists on playing in the UAE or other neutral venues as oppossed to Pakistan that they foot the bill for the cost of hosting the series on neutral soil.

But seriously speaking without doing these things, the PCB cannot really tackle domestic cricket aggressively. But yes ofcourse the PCB can get rid of the incompetent PCB employees like Subhan Ahmed, Intikhab Alam, Wasim Bari, Haroon Rasheed, Shakeel Sheikh, Iqbal Qasim, Agha Zahid and co

 

[Mamoon]

The problem is that most people do not know what they are talking about. Everyone repeats the same mantra liek parrots because the next person is doing so, and they all queue up like sheep.

Fix domestic cricket, use this ball, use that ball, fix the pitches, hire qualified coaches, impose stringent fitness standards etc. etc.

The truth is that PCB is cash-strapped, and that is why it continues to swallow its pride and goes to BCCI with a begging bowl. Secondly, it is not simply a case of having corrupt officials - corrupt or not, the PCB is short on money.

There is no cricket in Pakistan and playing cricket against Pakistan is not an attractive proposition anymore. We are outcasts in international cricket and the only thing that we have is the PSL.

It is our cash cow and the PCB are completely justified in prioritizing it. With the way things are going, PCB will not be able to sustain itself without the PSL.

We have to make it as big as possible, it is the only way forward. Once we starting making big profits, we can babble about the ball that we use in domestic cricket, the pitches that we prepare and other factors that people complain about from their backsides.

 

[Savak]

The problem is that most people do not know what they are talking about. Everyone repeats the same mantra liek parrots because the next person is doing so, and they all queue up like sheep.

Fix domestic cricket, use this ball, use that ball, fix the pitches, hire qualified coaches, impose stringent fitness standards etc. etc.

The truth is that PCB is cash-strapped, and that is why it continues to swallow its pride and goes to BCCI with a begging bowl. Secondly, it is not simply a case of having corrupt officials - corrupt or not, the PCB is short on money.

There is no cricket in Pakistan and playing cricket against Pakistan is not an attractive proposition anymore. We are outcasts in international cricket and the only thing that we have is the PSL.

It is our cash cow and the PCB are completely justified in prioritizing it. With the way things are going, PCB will not be able to sustain itself without the PSL.

We have to make it as big as possible, it is the only way forward. Once we starting making big profits, we can babble about the ball that we use in domestic cricket, the pitches that we prepare and other factors that people complain about from their backsides.

Okay. Noted

So in the order of priority, what is your opinion on the list of things that the PCB needs to do to move forward and improve things in Pakistan Cricket starting now?

 

[Mamoon]

Okay. Noted

So in the order of priority, what is your opinion on the list of things that the PCB needs to do to move forward and improve things in Pakistan Cricket starting now?

Priority one: make PSL bigger and better each year.

Priority two: keep nagging boards to tour Pakistan.

 

[Savak]

Priority one: make PSL bigger and better each year.

Priority two: keep nagging boards to tour Pakistan.

The biggest cash cow for Cricket boards is TV rights. Unless the Pakistani team has 6-8 world class players who are pleasing to the eye, who have swagger, personality and are not Misbah ul haqs, the team will not sell for a good price.

The role of the PSL is to give the team quality players and i am hoping for the third season for some quality hitters.

 

[DRsohail]

Priority one: make PSL bigger and better each year.

Priority two: keep nagging boards to tour Pakistan.

Agreed with you 100% .which is rare these days.
can you just elaborate that how can psl become bigger and bigger?

 

[Mamoon]

Agreed with you 100% .which is rare these days.
can you just elaborate that how can psl become bigger and bigger?

The goal should be to introduce a new team every two years. The PSL needs 8 teams like the IPL, better production, better pool of foreign players, renowned commentators (not like Danny Morrison).

Furthermore, better pitches for high scoring matches, not the “PSL > IPL because of the better balance between bat and ball” nonsense.

All of these are achievable. The PSL will bring more and more money in the future, it is still in the introduction stage but heading towards growth now.

 

[Mamoon]

The biggest cash cow for Cricket boards is TV rights. Unless the Pakistani team has 6-8 world class players who are pleasing to the eye, who have swagger, personality and are not Misbah ul haqs, the team will not sell for a good price.

The role of the PSL is to give the team quality players and i am hoping for the third season for some quality hitters.

That is a long-term goal. The PSL will not produce players - it is simply a platform for talented players to get noticed quickly and early.

More than the PSL itself, it is the money that the PSL will generate that will benefit the national team.

 

[DRsohail]

The goal should be to introduce a new team every two years. The PSL needs 8 teams like the IPL, better production, better pool of foreign players, renowned commentators (not like Danny Morrison).

Furthermore, better pitches for high scoring matches, not the “PSL > IPL because of the better balance between bat and ball” nonsense.

All of these are achievable. The PSL will bring more and more money in the future, it is still in the introduction stage but heading towards growth now.

I think some of these things being done,like introduction of new teams commentory team and pitches are akso getting better,will take 4 years to mature enough.

 

[DRsohail]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] the most important thing we are missing here is the players financial safety.if they are earning enough then they will automatically concentrate more on cricket and good training,is not it?

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] the most important thing we are missing here is the players financial safety.if they are earning enough then they will automatically concentrate more on cricket and good training,is not it?

As the PSL becomes profitable, the players will also earn more. The PCB is also going to regulate their involvement in foreign leagues, so it has to compensate the players.

 

[FreePalestine]

Am getting sick and tired of the easy criticism against the PCB for just focusing on the PSL, ruthlessly pursuing the PCB-BCCI compensation claim or the home/neutral venue Pak-India bilateral series and efforts to bring international cricket back to Pakistan.

The PCB as an organization needs massive injection of funds in order to do the following things

- Improving the state of the cricket grounds, pitches in domestic cricket all over Pakistan (no cheap task) = 1

- Improving the state of cricket balls used in domestic cricket (no cheap task) = 1

- Establishing more Cricket academies in other cities of Pakistan apart from NCA (no cheap task) 3 (ongoing, encourage partnerships with private sector and donors

- Attracting quality legendary ex-test cricketers to coach the domestic teams, to coach the U-19 teams, the A teams (no cheap task) 4

- Sending Pakistani U-19 and A teams to consistent tours to places like England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and co (no cheap task) 2

The PSL apart from giving the PCB a revenue stream is more importantly highlighting international cricket in Pakistan, highlighting Pakistani domestic cricketers abroad, giving domestic players in Pakistan something to play for, giving the Pakistani nation a good PR image, soft image abroad and a feel good factor

Pursuing the PCB-BCCI compensation claim is a matter of principle, the BCCI has screwed the PCB for the last 10 years and has gone out of its way to impoverish Pakistan Cricket and has conveniently gotten GOI permission whenever it was their turn to host Pakistan, play Pakistan in ICC tournaments but has mysteriously raised GOI objections whenever it has come for the PCB's turn to host India. Must pursue this matter to the very end and not let either the BCCI and the ICC off the hook

Pursuing, lobbying and encouraging International teams to tour Pakistan, sending financial incentives to lesser well off boards is very much the step in the right direction. If it is left to the players from England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, they will never ever tour Pakistan ever and will go out of their way to ensure that remains the case and this is primarily because of lifestyle issues and now that the PCB has proven to the ICC and the entire world that it can safely host international teams in Pakistan, this state of affairs can no longer be allowed to continue. The PCB needs to be more aggressive regarding this and needs to demand any team that insists on playing in the UAE or other neutral venues as oppossed to Pakistan that they foot the bill for the cost of hosting the series on neutral soil.

But seriously speaking without doing these things, the PCB cannot really tackle domestic cricket aggressively. But yes ofcourse the PCB can get rid of the incompetent PCB employees like Subhan Ahmed, Intikhab Alam, Wasim Bari, Haroon Rasheed, Shakeel Sheikh, Iqbal Qasim, Agha Zahid and co

I think all the improvements, including the last one, I would support. Especially if it means deserving players don't get ignored in domestic cricket.

I have prioritized the four things I would like to see done with the extra funds, 1 being the highest

 

[giri26]

I think they probably are right in Prioritising PSL at least. PSL will generate funds for PCB to invest into their domestic structure. So yes they are right in doing so, I cannot comment on their legal battle with BCCI as we know that it has been dragging on for ages. Regarding bringing international cricket to Pakistan, PCB needs to keep trying and they have had decent success in recent times. Having games back in Pakistan will improve revenue for PCB.

 

[Savak]

I think they probably are right in Prioritising PSL at least. PSL will generate funds for PCB to invest into their domestic structure. So yes they are right in doing so, I cannot comment on their legal battle with BCCI as we know that it has been dragging on for ages. Regarding bringing international cricket to Pakistan, PCB needs to keep trying and they have had decent success in recent times. Having games back in Pakistan will improve revenue for PCB.

Then why do the vast majority of people over here keep criticizing the PCB for doing all the above and talk through their backsides when they have no other constructive alternative ideas to give?

 

[giri26]

Then why do the vast majority of people over here keep criticizing the PCB for doing all the above and talk through their backsides when they have no other constructive alternative ideas to give?

Because people want quick fixes and think everything can be fixed with a press of a button. In reality, these things take time and Pakistan losing home games was a huge blow and it has affected their cricket. PSL is a chance now for PCB to invest back into the domestic structure. In the next few years if PSL becomes extremely successful, then it will depend on the administrators at that time to make sure money is allocated and spent on grassroots level. There have been some valid criticism on administrators as well as an already cash strapped board is chasing a law suit which might not be fruitful. They are spending lots of money there as well. So just the funds are not enough, PCB needs competent administrators to actually use it properly for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

 

[OoparCut]

Pursuing the PCB-BCCI compensation claim is a matter of principle, the BCCI has screwed the PCB for the last 10 years and has gone out of its way to impoverish Pakistan Cricket and has conveniently gotten GOI permission whenever it was their turn to host Pakistan, play Pakistan in ICC tournaments but has mysteriously raised GOI objections whenever it has come for the PCB's turn to host India. Must pursue this matter to the very end and not let either the BCCI and the ICC off the hook

Bilateral test series are not some God-given right. If you don't have good relations with a country then they are not going to co-operate and give you chances to earn money off of them. There are norules at the ICC level which impose any obligation on BCCI to give Pakistan a 'home' series. When was the last time England toured Zimbabwe?

And all this talk of "MOU" - why is that Pakistan fans forget that Pakistan never even lived up to its side of the bargain? Big three structure is now null and void at the ICC, so why should the associated MOU deal stay valid?

Its a very one-sided view to look at the issue and expect an Indian tour 'as a matter of principle'.

 

[Savak]

Bilateral test series are not some God-given right. If you don't have good relations with a country then they are not going to co-operate and give you chances to earn money off of them. There are norules at the ICC level which impose any obligation on BCCI to give Pakistan a 'home' series. When was the last time England toured Zimbabwe?

And all this talk of "MOU" - why is that Pakistan fans forget that Pakistan never even lived up to its side of the bargain? Big three structure is now null and void at the ICC, so why should the associated MOU deal stay valid?

Its a very one-sided view to look at the issue and expect an Indian tour 'as a matter of principle'.

It is convenient that India remembers that it has poor relations with Pakistan when it comes to playing Pakistan in Pakistan in a Pakistani home series or in a Pakistani home series on a neutral venue but forgets that it has poor relations with Pakistan when it comes to playing Pakistan in India in an Indian home series, in ICC tournaments like ODI Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, T-20 Asia Cup, T-20 WC.

The PCB lived up to its end of the bargain when the Big 3 came into effect and was in existence from 2014 to 2017, the BCCI has to pay for not living up to its promises from 2014 to 2017 when the Big 3 formula and structure was valid and operational.

The BCCI must pay the rightful compensation of $70 million to the PCB and be taught a lesson that it cannot conveniently pick and choose GOI approval to avoid playing Pakistan when the real issue is that the BCCI itself does not want to do anything that will financially benefit Pakistan Cricket.

 

[Savak]

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] the most important thing we are missing here is the players financial safety.if they are earning enough then they will automatically concentrate more on cricket and good training,is not it?

This is why Indian Cricket has skyrocketed and improved in the last 10-15 years. Even the Indian players had the same problem as Pakistani players back in the 70's to 90's where they needed a full time job, employment support from a domestic employer in order to pursue an international and domestic cricketing career without being worried about making a living.

With the massive financial growth of the BCCI and IPL, now Indian Cricketers in general and even just pure IPL cricketers are now able to enjoy NBA lifestyles where they no longer need jobs, they can earn and save more than enough from just playing cricket and giving them ample opportunity to hire doctors, shrinks, nutritionists, financial advisors, property advisors, good trainers, coaches therefore enabling them to focus 100% on improving their games.

 

[OoparCut]

It is convenient that India remembers that it has poor relations with Pakistan when it comes to playing Pakistan in Pakistan in a Pakistani home series or in a Pakistani home series on a neutral venue but forgets that it has poor relations with Pakistan when it comes to playing Pakistan in India in an Indian home series, in ICC tournaments like ODI Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy, T-20 Asia Cup, T-20 WC.

The PCB lived up to its end of the bargain when the Big 3 came into effect and was in existence from 2014 to 2017, the BCCI has to pay for not living up to its promises from 2014 to 2017 when the Big 3 formula and structure was valid and operational.

The BCCI must pay the rightful compensation of $70 million to the PCB and be taught a lesson that it cannot conveniently pick and choose GOI approval to avoid playing Pakistan when the real issue is that the BCCI itself does not want to do anything that will financially benefit Pakistan Cricket.

Of course its "convenient". The BCCI's job is to look after its own interests and "convenience".

Global tournaments have the obligation of all teams to participate. Whereas Bilateral series are not a right, they are built on the pre-requisite of good relations between the 2 boards and countries. Once the government of Pakistan takes the "rightful steps" and relations return to normalcy, then the PCB will benefit from those rightful steps and reap the profits of a home series.

Btw, you are totally wrong about "BCCI itself does not want to do anything that will financially benefit Pakistan Cricket." - BCCI babus speak the language of $$$, and bilateral Ind-Pak series are a big money spinner - they would love for it to resume.

But I can understand given your mindset, why you would come to such inaccurate conclusions.

 

[Savak]

Of course its "convenient". The BCCI's job is to look after its own interests and "convenience".

Global tournaments have the obligation of all teams to participate. Whereas Bilateral series are not a right, they are built on the pre-requisite of good relations between the 2 boards and countries. Once the government of Pakistan takes the "rightful steps" and relations return to normalcy, then the PCB will benefit from those rightful steps and reap the profits of a home series.

Btw, you are totally wrong about "BCCI itself does not want to do anything that will financially benefit Pakistan Cricket." - BCCI babus speak the language of $$$, and bilateral Ind-Pak series are a big money spinner - they would love for it to resume.

But I can understand given your mindset, why you would come to such inaccurate conclusions.

And that is just what the BCCI is doing, only playing Pakistan when the BCCI gets 100% of the $$ and zero % given to the PCB and will deliberately withdraw from a Pakistani bilateral home series where the PCB gets 100% of the $$$.

The BCCI must pay compensation to the PCB for these loses.

 

[OoparCut]

And that is just what the BCCI is doing, only playing Pakistan when the BCCI gets 100% of the $$ and zero % given to the PCB and will deliberately withdraw from a Pakistani bilateral home series where the PCB gets 100% of the $$$.

The BCCI must pay compensation to the PCB for these loses.

Its curious how strong a sense of entitlement you have on this issue. Why is anything owed to the PCB? On what basis? Bilateral cricket is not an entitlement. Its a privilege. Subject to government approval on both sides. Pakistan doesn't get to enjoy such privileges until they fix the relationship. North Korea also frequently demands "compensation" from America, for all kinds of things. Doesn't mean that they get it.

I would really enjoy some quality India-Pak cricket, but right now, given the situation I don't support the Indian government approving bilateral series.

Best bet for PCB is to realize that empty threats and "demands" aren't going to get them anywhere. Their best bet is to seek out a mutually acceptable compromise. They can try their luck with courts and the ICC committees - may have slightly better chance with the ICC than in the courts where its zero.

 

[Markhor]

The problem is that most people do not know what they are talking about. Everyone repeats the same mantra liek parrots because the next person is doing so, and they all queue up like sheep.

Fix domestic cricket, use this ball, use that ball, fix the pitches, hire qualified coaches, impose stringent fitness standards etc. etc.

The truth is that PCB is cash-strapped, and that is why it continues to swallow its pride and goes to BCCI with a begging bowl. Secondly, it is not simply a case of having corrupt officials - corrupt or not, the PCB is short on money.

There is no cricket in Pakistan and playing cricket against Pakistan is not an attractive proposition anymore. We are outcasts in international cricket and the only thing that we have is the PSL.

It is our cash cow and the PCB are completely justified in prioritizing it. With the way things are going, PCB will not be able to sustain itself without the PSL.

We have to make it as big as possible, it is the only way forward. Once we starting making big profits, we can babble about the ball that we use in domestic cricket, the pitches that we prepare and other factors that people complain about from their backsides.

What an insulting and condescending post. Let's break this down.

1) Apartheid South Africa was subject to international sanctions for decades. Its economy was being crippled whilst the cricket board hosted no home international cricket whatsoever for 22 years. Yet they still produced talent through their school system, whilst the Currie Cup was one of the toughest and most competitive domestic tournaments in the world.

The idea that the absence of home international cricket, and the revenues from those series, is what's stopping us from improving our domestic cricket is a crutch used by PCB to justify their ineptitude. Our domestic system was a shambles before the Lahore attacks. Using international grade balls or employing properly trained curators who have the adequate materials available to them does not require whopping amounts of money. If finances are too tight to adequately invest in balls and pitches - why on earth do we organise THREE separate domestic 50 over competitions ?

2) Yes staging costs in the UAE is high - but what the PCB don't mention in their victimhood narrative is relocation has led to higher overall revenues. Net gate income according to Osman Samiuddin is close to a million dollars for tours, a figure we could never imagine in Pakistan. Also, sponsorship with companies in the UAE generate larger revenues - almost double than what we'd receive in Pakistan. I'd also have more sympathy for PCB's supposed financial plight if they weren't paying fleets of journalists to go on foreign tours to do nothing as per Saj.

3) You know as well as I do that we aren't getting a penny from the BCCI. Which court is going to enforce this MOU ? Is it a binding contract ? If the Indian Govt refuses to allow permission then BCCI can claim force majeure so let's stop wasting our time and limited finances on a fruitless legal battle.

4) Pakistan are international cricket outcasts partly because of the PCB's own making. Let's be clear - the PCB were the ones who cancelled the Bangladesh tour last summer in a childish huff because they demanded Bangladesh tour Pakistan first. Having poor relations with India and Afghanistan is understandable due to the political situation, but why break ties with Bangladesh ?

What's stopping us hosting Bangladesh in the UAE ? Please don't tell me that wouldn't be a revenue generating series given we've hosted smaller countries like Sri Lanka, West Indies and New Zealand to UAE and the fact there's over half a milllion Bangladeshi expats living in the Emirates.

5) Let's get real. Pakistan still has a negative international reputation for terrorism and it will take years of good PR to regain peoples' confidence. Organising a few random T20s with West Indies or a "World XI" isn't going to see top teams flooding back. We need to arrange proper series, maybe an ODI series with a 50 over World Cup next year but it seems your champion administrator Sethi doesn't realise that with these absurdly long gaps in our schedule and the glut of T20s arranged.

 

[OoparCut]

What an insulting and condescending post. Let's break this down.

1) Apartheid South Africa was subject to international sanctions for decades. Its economy was being crippled whilst the cricket board hosted no home international cricket whatsoever for 22 years. Yet they still produced talent through their school system, whilst the Currie Cup was one of the toughest and most competitive domestic tournaments in the world.

The idea that the absence of home international cricket, and the revenues from those series, is what's stopping us from improving our domestic cricket is a crutch used by PCB to justify their ineptitude. Our domestic system was a shambles before the Lahore attacks. Using international grade balls or employing properly trained curators who have the adequate materials available to them does not require whopping amounts of money. If finances are too tight to adequately invest in balls and pitches - why on earth do we organise THREE separate domestic 50 over competitions ?

2) Yes staging costs in the UAE is high - but what the PCB don't mention in their victimhood narrative is relocation has led to higher overall revenues. Net gate income according to Osman Samiuddin is close to a million dollars for tours, a figure we could never imagine in Pakistan. Also, sponsorship with companies in the UAE generate larger revenues - almost double than what we'd receive in Pakistan. I'd also have more sympathy for PCB's supposed financial plight if they weren't paying fleets of journalists to go on foreign tours to do nothing as per Saj.

3) You know as well as I do that we aren't getting a penny from the BCCI. Which court is going to enforce this MOU ? Is it a binding contract ? If the Indian Govt refuses to allow permission then BCCI can claim force majeure so let's stop wasting our time and limited finances on a fruitless legal battle.

4) Pakistan are international cricket outcasts partly because of the PCB's own making. Let's be clear - the PCB were the ones who cancelled the Bangladesh tour last summer in a childish huff because they demanded Bangladesh tour Pakistan first. Having poor relations with India and Afghanistan is understandable due to the political situation, but why break ties with Bangladesh ?

What's stopping us hosting Bangladesh in the UAE ? Please don't tell me that wouldn't be a revenue generating series given we've hosted smaller countries like Sri Lanka, West Indies and New Zealand to UAE and the fact there's over half a milllion Bangladeshi expats living in the Emirates.

5) Let's get real. Pakistan still has a negative international reputation for terrorism and it will take years of good PR to regain peoples' confidence. Organising a few random T20s with West Indies or a "World XI" isn't going to see top teams flooding back. We need to arrange proper series, maybe an ODI series with a 50 over World Cup next year but it seems your champion administrator Sethi doesn't realise that with these absurdly long gaps in our schedule and the glut of T20s arranged.

Some bold truths dished out there. I often wonder why the PCB given its population, and popularity of cricket, struggles to manage its budget without the Indian tour money. Its one thing if a NZ or SL struggle, but Pakistan shouldn't be in this bad a shape. Its a bit obvious that PCB's operating costs are quite higher, and mostly for non-cricketing reasons.

 

[Savak]

Its curious how strong a sense of entitlement you have on this issue. Why is anything owed to the PCB? On what basis? Bilateral cricket is not an entitlement. Its a privilege. Subject to government approval on both sides. Pakistan doesn't get to enjoy such privileges until they fix the relationship. North Korea also frequently demands "compensation" from America, for all kinds of things. Doesn't mean that they get it.

I would really enjoy some quality India-Pak cricket, but right now, given the situation I don't support the Indian government approving bilateral series.

Best bet for PCB is to realize that empty threats and "demands" aren't going to get them anywhere. Their best bet is to seek out a mutually acceptable compromise. They can try their luck with courts and the ICC committees - may have slightly better chance with the ICC than in the courts where its zero.

Our home series is what we are entitled to which the BCCI has deliberately avoided and cancelled with Pakistan in the last 10 years on its own behest and when GOI approval was not an issue. The BCCI is free to avoid playing Pakistan if it feels like but must pay compensation for the losses incurred to the PCB because of it due to deliberate malifide intend.

 

[OoparCut]

Our home series is what we are entitled to

You are entitled to play as many home series as you like. Nobody's stopping you. But you are not entitled to India's participation in your home series. Its subject to approval by India. You don't own the Indian cricket team or its board. And neither does the ICC mandate any fixed number of games or series between member nations.

Your sense of entitlement is baseless. I will ask this again - how many times has the England cricket team toured Zimbabwe? And why not? Hopefully once you understand the answer to this example - which is outside the "emotional" baggage of India-Pakistan, you might start to understand my point. Or you can continue to miss it - intentionally or otherwise. Your choice. I'm not "entitled" to your understanding my point.

 

[Savak]

What an insulting and condescending post. Let's break this down.

1) Apartheid South Africa was subject to international sanctions for decades. Its economy was being crippled whilst the cricket board hosted no home international cricket whatsoever for 22 years. Yet they still produced talent through their school system, whilst the Currie Cup was one of the toughest and most competitive domestic tournaments in the world.

The idea that the absence of home international cricket, and the revenues from those series, is what's stopping us from improving our domestic cricket is a crutch used by PCB to justify their ineptitude. Our domestic system was a shambles before the Lahore attacks. Using international grade balls or employing properly trained curators who have the adequate materials available to them does not require whopping amounts of money. If finances are too tight to adequately invest in balls and pitches - why on earth do we organise THREE separate domestic 50 over competitions ?

You cannot compare South Africa and Pakistan. These are 2 different countries. One is second world and one is third world. The populations and economies of the two countries are totally different. In South Africa the youngsters have the option to pursue many different sports apart from cricket. In Pakistan the only real sport where you have the chance to completely uplift the lifestyle of your family is Cricket and nothing else. Already we have too many Cricket teams in domestic cricket and because of the Quantity, Quality has gone down.

Even during the appartheid years, there were many rebel tours in South Africa and the country did not completely suffer isolation. In comparison there has been absolutely zero international cricket in Pakistan in the last 10 years and everything has suffered in comparison i.e. the quality of our stadiums and domestic pitches, the erosion of U-19 tours abroad, A team tours abroad, no academies being built all over the country.

If the PCB had the financial means to lucratively support domestic cricket in Pakistan since inception they would have done so from day one, but unfortunately they were not in a position to do so and therefore they needed help from the departments in this regard to provide permanent jobs to domestic cricketers, put them in their department teams and to take care of them financially so that they could focus on cricket as much as possible. Unfortunately in the last 10-20 years Departments themselves have downsized, some like UBL have even shut down their sports departments, now cricketers are paid a pittance and instead of being given permanent jobs are now being given short term contracts instead.

One could go on and on and on but the fact of the matter is we are now in 2018 where inflation is unprecendented compared to the times of Appartheid South Africa. Yes no doubt the PCB is incompetent and inefficient in its decision making, operation but a vast majority of the people, ex-test cricketers working there have extremely solid political connections and no chairman no matter how highly backed he has been has been able to uproot them.

2) Yes staging costs in the UAE is high - but what the PCB don't mention in their victimhood narrative is relocation has led to higher overall revenues. Net gate income according to Osman Samiuddin is close to a million dollars for tours, a figure we could never imagine in Pakistan. Also, sponsorship with companies in the UAE generate larger revenues - almost double than what we'd receive in Pakistan. I'd also have more sympathy for PCB's supposed financial plight if they weren't paying fleets of journalists to go on foreign tours to do nothing as per Saj.

Even if UAE gate revenues are higher as compared to Pakistan, they are still peanuts and probably do not cover the costs of hosting teams in the UAE. TV rights are the real deal but you won't be getting a good TV rights deal if you have a captain like Misbah ul Haq and 10 Misbah ul Haq clones in your team. By being able to play at home the PCB will be able to make more money in comparison to playing in the UAE.

As far as the journalists are concerned, they have the choice to turn down the foreign tours why do they accept it and stay silent but pump up the volume in the media against the PCB when they are no longer on the PCB payroll? Those journalists are the ones who should be named and shamed.

3) You know as well as I do that we aren't getting a penny from the BCCI. Which court is going to enforce this MOU ? Is it a binding contract ? If the Indian Govt refuses to allow permission then BCCI can claim force majeure so let's stop wasting our time and limited finances on a fruitless legal battle.

The ICC surprised the PCB in 2010 when it decided to take away all the Pakistan ODI 2011 WC games from Pakistan and play them in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh instead. The PCB filed a lawsuit against the ICC even though the ICC claimed it has extremely justified reasons for doing so and in return got the ICC to pay up compensation to the PCB for losses to the tune of $10 million.

The PCB is doing the right thing by fighting for its rights, for taking the fight to the BCCI in the ICC and by pumping pressure on both the ICC and BCCI for the losses that Pakistan Cricket has suffered in all these years due to arrogance on behalf of the BCCI.

4) Pakistan are international cricket outcasts partly because of the PCB's own making. Let's be clear - the PCB were the ones who cancelled the Bangladesh tour last summer in a childish huff because they demanded Bangladesh tour Pakistan first. Having poor relations with India and Afghanistan is understandable due to the political situation, but why break ties with Bangladesh ?

What's stopping us hosting Bangladesh in the UAE ? Please don't tell me that wouldn't be a revenue generating series given we've hosted smaller countries like Sri Lanka, West Indies and New Zealand to UAE and the fact there's over half a milllion Bangladeshi expats living in the Emirates.

Regardless of who is responsible for Pakistan Cricket remaining isolated, it cannot and should not be allowed to continue forever and it is simply unacceptable for this to continue happening to a major Cricketing nation.

The Bangladeshi Board has screwed the PCB over many times and the PCB rightfully told the Bengali's to buggur off and that they were no BCCI whose every whims and fancy had to be continously accepted. The BCB deceitfully promised to tour Pakistan in 2012 in exchange for the PCB vote for ICC chairman to the BCB chairman, the BCB once they got the PCB vote reneged on their deal. The BCB did the same thing again later on when they requested the PCB to tour Bangladesh in exchange for a Bangladeshi tour to Pakistan later but the BCB again reneged on their deal. Let us not forget how the Bangladeshi players, Franchises treat star Pakistani players in the BPL where they are only given one match for the entire season, where players are dropped even after they did well in the previous game.

Self respect is everything and supersedes playing cricket with a minnow country like Bangladesh and i am sorry but hosting a minnow country like Bangladesh in the UAE is off zero value.

5) Let's get real. Pakistan still has a negative international reputation for terrorism and it will take years of good PR to regain peoples' confidence. Organising a few random T20s with West Indies or a "World XI" isn't going to see top teams flooding back. We need to arrange proper series, maybe an ODI series with a 50 over World Cup next year but it seems your champion administrator Sethi doesn't realise that with these absurdly long gaps in our schedule and the glut of T20s arranged.

Our champion administrator is the main reason why we have managed to hold the PSL for 2 seasons against all odds with a final in Lahore, why we had a Zimbabwe series in 2015, why we had a World 11 tour and a Sri Lankan T-20 match in Lahore. Based on this the PCB and Pakistani govt has proven that it can arrange cricket and provide the best possible security to foreign players. Most importantly the people of Pakistan have proven their hospitality to these foreign players on these occasions. Sethi realizes more work needs to be done but atleast he is being proactive in lobbying, working hard with all the major countries around the world in convincing them to tour Pakistan and that is what is required.

 

[Savak]

You are entitled to play as many home series as you like. Nobody's stopping you. But you are not entitled to India's participation in your home series. Its subject to approval by India. You don't own the Indian cricket team or its board. And neither does the ICC mandate any fixed number of games or series between member nations.

Your sense of entitlement is baseless. I will ask this again - how many times has the England cricket team toured Zimbabwe? And why not? Hopefully once you understand the answer to this example - which is outside the "emotional" baggage of India-Pakistan, you might start to understand my point. Or you can continue to miss it - intentionally or otherwise. Your choice. I'm not "entitled" to your understanding my point.

India's non-participation has to be logically proven, the GOI cannot magically grant approval to Pak India matches when it comes to India hosting Pakistan in India or playing against Pakistan in ICC tournaments like the ODI WC, ODI Asia Cup, ODI Champions Trophy, T-20 WC, T-20 Asia Cup but magically not grant approval whenever India is due to play Pakistan in Pakistan's home series in Pakistan or on neutral venue.

A thorough examination will reveal that the issue is not the GOI but the BCCI itself.

 

[CanadianG00se]

India's non-participation has to be logically proven, the GOI cannot magically grant approval to Pak India matches when it comes to India hosting Pakistan in India or playing against Pakistan in ICC tournaments like the ODI WC, ODI Asia Cup, ODI Champions Trophy, T-20 WC, T-20 Asia Cup but magically not grant approval whenever India is due to play Pakistan in Pakistan's home series in Pakistan or on neutral venue.

A thorough examination will reveal that the issue is not the GOI but the BCCI itself.

That Govt was Congress which was somewhat Pro Pakistan, whil on the other hand Modi and his Govt are Anti Pakistan. As far as ICC events are concerned, they do not directly fill the PCB coffers, so they are still holding their grounds as to not allowing PCB benefit from Indian market.

Oh what examination are you even talking about? That BCCI doesnt wanna play but GoI are ok? Find me one source where GoI had given permission (2014-2017) but BCCI refused? Until then your post come across bitter and factually wrong.

 

[OoparCut]

India's non-participation has to be logically proven, the GOI cannot magically grant approval to Pak India matches when it comes to India hosting Pakistan in India or playing against Pakistan in ICC tournaments like the ODI WC, ODI Asia Cup, ODI Champions Trophy, T-20 WC, T-20 Asia Cup but magically not grant approval whenever India is due to play Pakistan in Pakistan's home series in Pakistan or on neutral venue.

A thorough examination will reveal that the issue is not the GOI but the BCCI itself.

GOI can magically do what GOI wants. It doesn't owe jack to either PCB or anyone else. You can speculate as much as you want about what the issue is.

Nothing needs to be "proven" - GOI and BCCI are well within their rights to refuse participation in bilateral series.

The right to make money from Indian TV channels by hosting a bilateral cricket series is not given to PCB by some feudal inheritance. It is subject to goodwill and consent of the BCCI and GOI. Until GOP, or more accurately PakMil, clean up their act, at least a litte bit - that goodwill and consent will not be forthcoming.

 

[Savak]

GOI can magically do what GOI wants. It doesn't owe jack to either PCB or anyone else. You can speculate as much as you want about what the issue is.

Nothing needs to be "proven" - GOI and BCCI are well within their rights to refuse participation in bilateral series.

The right to make money from Indian TV channels by hosting a bilateral cricket series is not given to PCB by some feudal inheritance. It is subject to goodwill and consent of the BCCI and GOI. Until GOP, or more accurately PakMil, clean up their act, at least a litte bit - that goodwill and consent will not be forthcoming.

Nope the BCCI is not within its right to violate FTP and the right of other nations to earn money, the BCCI is not within its rights to refuse a PCB home series in Pakistan and on neutral venue based on its own whims when there is no issue with regards to GOI approval. The BCCI will pay compensation to the PCB and will learn the hard lessons that it should have kept sports and politics separate.

 

[USofA]

India's non-participation has to be logically proven, the GOI cannot magically grant approval to Pak India matches when it comes to India hosting Pakistan in India or playing against Pakistan in ICC tournaments like the ODI WC, ODI Asia Cup, ODI Champions Trophy, T-20 WC, T-20 Asia Cup but magically not grant approval whenever India is due to play Pakistan in Pakistan's home series in Pakistan or on neutral venue.

A thorough examination will reveal that the issue is not the GOI but the BCCI itself.

I think this is where you are wrong. The Government can do anything. It's a sovereign country. Whatever the Govt. says is law. Good or bad as it may be.

 

[OoparCut]

Nope the BCCI is not within its right to violate FTP and the right of other nations to earn money, the BCCI is not within its rights to refuse a PCB home series in Pakistan and on neutral venue based on its own whims when there is no issue with regards to GOI approval. The BCCI will pay compensation to the PCB and will learn the hard lessons that it should have kept sports and politics separate.

LOL. There was this tv show in the 1980s in India - it was titled "Moongerilal Ke Haseen Sapne

Your post reminds me of that.

How is BCCI interfering with right of other nations to earn money? How is it PCB's right to earn money off of the Indian team? I mean, how delusional does one have to be, to make such silly claims?

 

[Savak]

I think this is where you are wrong. The Government can do anything. It's a sovereign country. Whatever the Govt. says is law. Good or bad as it may be.

Actually the point being made is that there is no issue with regards to the GOI approval, the GOI is too bothered with other things and doesn't give a damn whether Pakistan and India play cricket together, it is the BCCI which is deliberately avoiding playing Pakistan in a Pakistani home series in Pakistan or neutral venue and violating the FTP and the BCCI cannot be allowed to fraudulently bring up a fake GOI dissaproval of a Pak India series when no such GOI disapproval exists in the first place.

The BCCI needs to be bought to hook for this deceit and for the fact they dishonestly signed an agreement with the PCB in 2014 when they had no intention of honoring it. And if they signed the agreement with the PCB in 2014 knowing full well that this so called GOI approval will not be granted then they should be on the hook even more for deceitfully entering into an agreement and promising consideration which was never going to be granted.

 

[Savak]

LOL. There was this tv show in the 1980s in India - it was titled "Moongerilal Ke Haseen Sapne

Your post reminds me of that.

How is BCCI interfering with right of other nations to earn money? How is it PCB's right to earn money off of the Indian team? I mean, how delusional does one have to be, to make such silly claims?

The BCCI is interfering with the PCB's finances by deliberately avoiding playing Pakistan in a home series in Pakistan or a neutral venue and therefore violating the FTP even when the GOI is least bothered whether cricket b/w Pakistan and India takes place or not.

 

[OoparCut]

The BCCI is interfering with the PCB's finances by deliberately avoiding playing Pakistan in a home series in Pakistan or a neutral venue and therefore violating the FTP even when the GOI is least bothered whether cricket b/w Pakistan and India takes place or not.

Even if we take your baseless claim at face value - the FTP is not legally binding on ICC member countries. Heck even participation in Champions Trophy, WC isn't legally binding. Member boards can opt out at their desire.

You seem to be quite ignorant when it comes to what the actual laws and rules are. All of this MoongeriLal style wishful thinking doesn't translate into actual rules or laws.

You still haven't answered my question about why the England Cricket board has not sent their team to Zimbabwe for a series in almost a decade or more? Can Zimbabwe sue England?

 

[OoparCut]

Actually the point being made is that there is no issue with regards to the GOI approval, the GOI is too bothered with other things and doesn't give a damn whether Pakistan and India play cricket together, it is the BCCI which is deliberately avoiding playing Pakistan in a Pakistani home series in Pakistan or neutral venue and violating the FTP and the BCCI cannot be allowed to fraudulently bring up a fake GOI dissaproval of a Pak India series when no such GOI disapproval exists in the first place.

The BCCI needs to be bought to hook for this deceit and for the fact they dishonestly signed an agreement with the PCB in 2014 when they had no intention of honoring it. And if they signed the agreement with the PCB in 2014 knowing full well that this so called GOI approval will not be granted then they should be on the hook even more for deceitfully entering into an agreement and promising consideration which was never going to be granted.

You are contradicting yourself there. Did the BCCI know that they won't get GOI approval when they signed? Or they knew it was not an issue? It can't be both at the same time can it?

No amount of jumping up and down and teeth gnashing is going to change this simple fact - if you want the benefits of TV money from the Indian audience by hosting a "home" cricket series with India - GOP has its work cut out to improve relations first. There is no such thing as a free lunch. As they say on the streets - baap ka maal nahi hai

 

[Savak]

Even if we take your baseless claim at face value - the FTP is not legally binding on ICC member countries. Heck even participation in Champions Trophy, WC isn't legally binding. Member boards can opt out at their desire.

You seem to be quite ignorant when it comes to what the actual laws and rules are. All of this MoongeriLal style wishful thinking doesn't translate into actual rules or laws.

You still haven't answered my question about why the England Cricket board has not sent their team to Zimbabwe for a series in almost a decade or more? Can Zimbabwe sue England?

This is about Pakistan India. Zimbabwe England series is not lucrative and therefore abandonment is not damaging for either country but an abandonment of Pakistan-India series is damaging for Pakistan.

 

[OoparCut]

This is about Pakistan India. Zimbabwe England series is not lucrative and therefore abandonment is not damaging for either country but an abandonment of Pakistan-India series is damaging for Pakistan.

Dude, how clueless are you? A home series in Zim against England would earn the Zimbabwe cricket board a ton of money, and would absolutely be meaningful to them. India, England and Australian tours are the ones that generate maximum revenue for host nations.

And why is Pakistan so dependent on Indian series that its "so damaging"? How is it India's fault that the PCB is mismanaging its cricket and unable to generate adequate revenue from a cricket loving population of 200 million?

 

[Savak]

You are contradicting yourself there. Did the BCCI know that they won't get GOI approval when they signed? Or they knew it was not an issue? It can't be both at the same time can it?

No amount of jumping up and down and teeth gnashing is going to change this simple fact - if you want the benefits of TV money from the Indian audience by hosting a "home" cricket series with India - GOP has its work cut out to improve relations first. There is no such thing as a free lunch. As they say on the streets - baap ka maal nahi hai

There are 2 possibilities, either GOI approval is not a problem and the BCCI is deliberately avoiding playing Pakistan in a Pakistan home series in Pakistan or on neutral venue or the BCCI knew that getting GOI approval for India to play Pakistan in a Pakistani home series in Pakistan or in a neutral venue was going to be an issue and still deliberately signed an agreement with the PCB therefore promising consideration knowing full well they will not deliver their end of the bargain.

Either ways the BCCI is on the hook and has to pay compensation to the PCB for the losses sustained. Sports and Politics should not be mixed together and the GOP is a sovereign country, it doesn't owe jack to the people of India or the GOI but sports and politics should not be mixed. But a Pakistani home series in Pakistan or on a neutral venue is PCB's right and PCB's maal which the BCCI should give

 

[Savak]

Dude, how clueless are you? A home series in Zim against England would earn the Zimbabwe cricket board a ton of money, and would absolutely be meaningful to them. India, England and Australian tours are the ones that generate maximum revenue for host nations.

And why is Pakistan so dependent on Indian series that its "so damaging"? How is it India's fault that the PCB is mismanaging its cricket and unable to generate adequate revenue from a cricket loving population of 200 million?

Nah we have hosted Australia, England in the UAE, we don't make money of them. Doubt Zimbabwe will either.

Its not about mismanagement, all other cricket playing nations atleast the major ones get to play cricket with India extremely frequently and have had made so much money from playing against India that they are able to spend loads on their players, domestic cricket. The cost of governing and grooming talent in 2018 has now skyrocketed through the roof and the massive amount of investments needed to uplift the standard of domestic cricket in Pakistan needs a staggering amount

 

[OoparCut]

But a Pakistani home series in Pakistan or on a neutral venue is PCB's right and PCB's maal which the BCCI should give

Bro, such a stance would put those aggressive NYC pan-handlers to shame. Anyway, there's no point in wasting my time talking to someone resolutely stuck on Baghdad Bob style repetition of PCB "rights" over the Indian team.

Toodle-oo, continue to live in your alternate version of reality. Where what the PCB is begging for, is somehow its "right".

 

[OoparCut]

Nah we have hosted Australia, England in the UAE, we don't make money of them. Doubt Zimbabwe will either.

Its not about mismanagement, all other cricket playing nations atleast the major ones get to play cricket with India extremely frequently and have had made so much money from playing against India that they are able to spend loads on their players, domestic cricket. The cost of governing and grooming talent in 2018 has now skyrocketed through the roof and the massive amount of investments needed to uplift the standard of domestic cricket in Pakistan needs a staggering amount

Good that you understand the economic reality of cricket. Now that you know how important it is to have Indian team tour for a series, you should talk to the GOP to clean up its act, and improve relations with India. So that your cricket isn't stuck in the medieval ages. Until you do that, I'm afraid, you're going to be SOL - *** outa luck.

 

[Savak]

PCB is completely justified in focusing on the PSL. Now must aggressively get the BCCI to pay up PCB's $70 million dollars and then continue to aggressively pursue international teams to tour Pakistan.

 

[USofA]

PCB is completely justified in focusing on the PSL. Now must aggressively get the BCCI to pay up PCB's $70 million dollars and then continue to aggressively pursue international teams to tour Pakistan.

Where do things stand on this? Is Mr. Manohar still hiding under his desk? Have not heard/seen so much as a peep from him or the ICC in general.

 

[Langau]

We all have to pray that he stays for atleast 5-8 more years.

 

[barah_admi]

The PSL is a huge boon, lots of sponsorship (McDonalds, Swarovski, Mazda,) all bringing in big bucks, Pepsi obviously still around and so on. The issue is, will this money be used effectively? How much is reinvested into the system? Surely enough money has been made to at least bring the two main stadia. Karachi and Lahore, into the 21st century. How about setting up a few more academies and putting a focus on A tours?

As for the PCB v BCCI, what exactly is happening with that?

 

[Savak]

The PSL is a huge boon, lots of sponsorship (McDonalds, Swarovski, Mazda,) all bringing in big bucks, Pepsi obviously still around and so on. The issue is, will this money be used effectively? How much is reinvested into the system? Surely enough money has been made to at least bring the two main stadia. Karachi and Lahore, into the 21st century. How about setting up a few more academies and putting a focus on A tours?

As for the PCB v BCCI, what exactly is happening with that?

The answers lie in the following facts

In the last 2 years the PCB has done the following

- Refurbishment and renovation of the Qadhaffi Stadium in Lahore

- Refurbishment and renovation of the National Stadium in Karachi

- Revamp of the NCA in Lahore

- Launching of the NCA in Karachi and Multan

- Investing in a high quality cricket ball in domestic cricket

- Appointment of Foreign coaches and ex test players in the national team and NCA

- Pursuing an expensive but justified lawsuit against the BCCI

This is proof that a reasonable amount has been reinvested in Pakistan Cricket already and we can make that judgement without even looking at an annual report.

 

[barah_admi]

The answers lie in the following facts

In the last 2 years the PCB has done the following

- Refurbishment and renovation of the Qadhaffi Stadium in Lahore

- Refurbishment and renovation of the National Stadium in Karachi

- Revamp of the NCA in Lahore

- Launching of the NCA in Karachi and Multan

- Investing in a high quality cricket ball in domestic cricket

- Appointment of Foreign coaches and ex test players in the national team and NCA

- Pursuing an expensive but justified lawsuit against the BCCI

This is proof that a reasonable amount has been reinvested in Pakistan Cricket already and we can make that judgement without even looking at an annual report.

No offence but Gaddafi and National stadiums looked awful. They did not even get the National roof finished on time, so where did the refurbishment occur?

In terms of the NCA, as far as the Karachi academy goes, it was planned, funded and building started in the last decade, long before the PSL, so it being launched is not a direct result of the PSL only.

I'm also not sure why foreign coaches are better necessarily?

As for the rest I can't comment but it is clear that the FC game in Pakistan is still severely under funded and of a low quality in terms of pitches and stadia.

 

[Savak]

No offence but Gaddafi and National stadiums looked awful. They did not even get the National roof finished on time, so where did the refurbishment occur?

In terms of the NCA, as far as the Karachi academy goes, it was planned, funded and building started in the last decade, long before the PSL, so it being launched is not a direct result of the PSL only.

I'm also not sure why foreign coaches are better necessarily?

As for the rest I can't comment but it is clear that the FC game in Pakistan is still severely under funded and of a low quality in terms of pitches and stadia.

Completely redoing a stadium takes time and costs money.

Planning an academy is one thing but it was abandoned along with so many other things because of a lack of funds in Pakistan Cricket in the last decade due to the absence of international cricket in Pakistan.

People like you just want everything done in one day without doing anything yourself. Sethi has worked hard behind the scenes for the last 3 years to get these things done so I have full faith in him.

 

[barah_admi]

Completely redoing a stadium takes time and costs money.

Planning an academy is one thing but it was abandoned along with so many other things because of a lack of funds in Pakistan Cricket in the last decade due to the absence of international cricket in Pakistan.

People like you just want everything done in one day without doing anything yourself. Sethi has worked hard behind the scenes for the last 3 years to get these things done so I have full faith in him.

I never even said "completely redo a stadium", I said they had to be brought into the 21st century. When one is hosting a major sporting final, with international viewership, surely the roof could be fixed? Or start work on the roof AFTER the match. No one is saying everything needs to be done in a day but the PSL has been ongoing and bringing in big sponsorship bucks for 3 years now, plus with an ICC event almost every year, the PCB has made more money than ever before, not to mention that during the current financial cycle, the PCB is receiving the same ICC funds as CA.

Yet look at the state of the FC game, when compared between PCB and CA. There is clearly one side investing better than the other.

As for Sethi, you should decide to see some of my older posts, I have always given him credit for it. I just raised some simple and important questions, we will see if they will be answered in the coming years or not.

 

[carbon11]

Yes the Karachi renovation

Looked hideous no roof the outfield was good but the pitch wasn't as good as the gaddafi .

The gaddafi pitch had more pace in it for the bowlers

Even though the renovation didn't look like millions so question is where is the rest of the money

As for nca in Karachi we saw the pictures where they had stuck poles in the ground and some marble slabs lol hardly millions or cutting edge facility

 

[Savak]

I never even said "completely redo a stadium", I said they had to be brought into the 21st century. When one is hosting a major sporting final, with international viewership, surely the roof could be fixed? Or start work on the roof AFTER the match. No one is saying everything needs to be done in a day but the PSL has been ongoing and bringing in big sponsorship bucks for 3 years now, plus with an ICC event almost every year, the PCB has made more money than ever before, not to mention that during the current financial cycle, the PCB is receiving the same ICC funds as CA.

Yet look at the state of the FC game, when compared between PCB and CA. There is clearly one side investing better than the other.

As for Sethi, you should decide to see some of my older posts, I have always given him credit for it. I just raised some simple and important questions, we will see if they will be answered in the coming years or not.

The PCB kick started working on the National Stadium in August 2017 I believe, even then it was uncertain whether to host the PSL final in Lahore or Karachi but by October or November 2017 they decided to host it in Karachi even if the roof was not completed in time, the rest of the renovations will now be completed after the PSL final has been held. Just to refurbish this stadium the PCB is spending billions.

We all complain about the PCB not spending enough on domestic cricket, I last read a report that it cost the PCB somewhere around Rs 600 million just to host domestic cricket tournaments i.e. the Quaid e Azam 4 day trophy, Regional Cup, Departments Cup, National T-20 and even then the players were forced to spend out of pocket to play domestic cricket and to stay in substandard living facilities, being paid Jamadar type wages.

It is clear that the cost of running domestic cricket in Pakistan must be extremely expensive especially in the manner that we expect we are talking about billions. The PCB is desperately trying to get the corporate sector, PSL franchise owners, departments to just buy the regional teams and take ownership of them so that the PCB just focuses on its own affairs and administrative side of things and the national side.

The Corporate Sector, Departments and PSL Franchise owners need to step up and privatize Cricket at the grass roots level.

 

[barah_admi]

The PCB kick started working on the National Stadium in August 2017 I believe, even then it was uncertain whether to host the PSL final in Lahore or Karachi but by October or November 2017 they decided to host it in Karachi even if the roof was not completed in time, the rest of the renovations will now be completed after the PSL final has been held. Just to refurbish this stadium the PCB is spending billions.

We all complain about the PCB not spending enough on domestic cricket, I last read a report that it cost the PCB somewhere around Rs 600 million just to host domestic cricket tournaments i.e. the Quaid e Azam 4 day trophy, Regional Cup, Departments Cup, National T-20 and even then the players were forced to spend out of pocket to play domestic cricket and to stay in substandard living facilities, being paid Jamadar type wages.

It is clear that the cost of running domestic cricket in Pakistan must be extremely expensive especially in the manner that we expect we are talking about billions. The PCB is desperately trying to get the corporate sector, PSL franchise owners, departments to just buy the regional teams and take ownership of them so that the PCB just focuses on its own affairs and administrative side of things and the national side.

The Corporate Sector, Departments and PSL Franchise owners need to step up and privatize Cricket at the grass roots level.

Is your numbers are true, then the costs are far too high and it is evident that the money is clearly not going into the first class system, which still relies on banks and gas companies to provide jobs. The stadiums look like a joke, pitches are terrible and if players are having to pay for accommodation, it just further proves my suspicions: the extra money now arriving via the PSL MUST be properly monitored and properly controlled.


The PCB has done great work in creating a tournament that provides riches, now those riches must be correctly used because with the amount of money that PCB has, it should not be as far behind CA and even the ECB as it is.