Pakistan cricket cannot rely on ICC funding alone: Ramiz Raja

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has insisted on having a strong financial system for the betterment of cricket in Pakistan.

The newly-elected Chairman traveled to Karachi on Monday to seek help from the city's corporate institutions and business communities to achieve his goal. It was revealed that the cricket board has prepared several plans which will be presented to the investors for consultation.

"If our team becomes number one in the world, then foreign teams will not refuse to come and play in the country. [...] Our cricket is relying on ICC’s funding right now and when I see the books, I get very scared because the contribution of local entrepreneurs is minimal," Raja said during his visit to the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

Ramiz said that relying on ICC alone is always going to put Pakistan cricket at a disadvantage and our identity will continue to suffer as it has suffered in recent times.

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The PCB Chairman urged the business community to lend a helping hand. "Due to unforeseen circumstances, such as Covid, PCB can easily cut down the money promised. This will continue to worsen Pakistan cricket's situation from a financial point of view," he added. 

Gong Ceremony at Pakistan Stock Exchange, Karachi: Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja struck the gong to open trading for Tuesday October 5. pic.twitter.com/0YVMHQ88B3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 5, 2021

Speaking about the utilisation of the funds, Ramiz said that the money will be spent to improve the conditions of the cricket grounds.

He added that a substantial amount will also be allocated to ensure that grassroots cricket is given importance and young children are playing cricket at decent venues.

"We must be on the same page, it is about the national spirit [...] The pie of our cricket from the financial point of view is just 5% percent as compared to our neighboring countries where interest is massive and due to investments there teams have surpassed us," concluded Ramiz.