The three matches of T20 Independence Cup being played in Lahore between World XI and Pakistan is expected to cost the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) an amount of around US$ 2.5 million. Sources said that a major chunk of the amount has been spent on bringing the World XI team to Lahore. Nobody has spoken about how much the players are being paid but it is thought to be in the range of $100,000 each. The rest is made up mostly by the logistic costs involved, the sources said.

The sources claimed that the PCB has not paid for the entire costs of the security apparatus for the series. Two international security consultants - Reg Dickason and Nicholls Steyn and Associates were, with the $1.1 million cost picked up by the ICC. The sources further said that total spending on the series may appear hefty for the PCB. As per financial statement, the PCB has made a profit every year since 2011 which, according to PCB annual report, is of $14.5 million dollars. With more games of the PSL due to be played in Pakistan next season, the PCB is set to earn more profit in coming years.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017