‘PCB pays Rs250m tax to govt’

Director Operations Haroon Rasheed boasts board’s self-sustenance

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director Operations Haroon Rasheed believes the board has been generating its own revenue and is not reliant on the government’s support.

“We generate our own finances. We do not ask for a penny from the government,” said Rasheed while addressing a special Senate committee to discuss the performance of the sports federations.

He further highlighted the amount of tax the PCB has been paying to the government. “We pay nearly Rs250 million tax to the government.”

In his address he also mentioned the progress that the board has made in regards to the return of international cricket to the country.

“In two to three years, international cricket will return to the country completely. We are making progress in this regard. Talks regarding tours to Pakistan are being held with cricket boards of different countries. Also, we’ve alleviated the suspicions of the Federation of International Cricketers Associations.”

Rasheed also talked about the promotion of the game in the far-fetched areas of Pakistan. “We are doing our best to promote regional cricket, and talent hunt programs are being organised in FATA and K-P to unearth talented cricketers.”

He also discussed the proposed structural changes. “Changes in the cricket structure are being analysed. We are going to make necessary changes to provide financial security to the cricketers.”

While commenting on women’s cricket, he said: “We have selected a pool of 40 talented women cricketers. Women belonging to different areas are interested in the game, but resistance from families doesn’t allow them to fulfil their dreams.”