The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was allocated a budget of around USD 70 million by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the Champions Trophy 2025 in February. This budget was examined and passed by the financial and commercial committee of ICC, which is headed by former BCCI secretary and the current ICC Chairman, Jay Shah. Pakistan hosted an ICC Event in their nation after 29 years and the chunk of budget was reportedly used to renovate the stadiums for the event. But recent developments have created serious doubts over whether these funds were spent appropriately by PCB. The Poor Condition of Gaddafi Stadium Despite of spending millions of rupees, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is in a disastrous condition. Even in a recent rain, the roof of the stadium began to leak, revealing poor infrastructure and maintenance. No drainage system existed, and water began dripping from the toilets. For a stadium that is all set to receive an international tournament, these are unacceptable conditions. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore,#Pakistan, built at a cost of 1280 crore, has been transformed into Asia's best stadium in a record time of just 4 months, as claimed by Pakistanis. #ChampionsTrophy2025 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/s3VIio9fOy — Muhammad Shakil (@itx_shakil) March 3, 2025 Mohsin Naqvi, the Interior Minister and former chairman PCB, has also been at the receiving end of criticism for how he has dealt with cricket administration. Instead of concentrating on improving stadium facilities and overall cricket development, mismanagement and misdirected priorities have been the hallmark of his rule, according to critics. Also Read | Panelist Gives Bizarre Reason for Pakistan's Loss to India Law and Order vs. Cricket Administration Image Source: Getty Images While Mohsin Naqvi is tasked with ensuring law and order in the nation, things have only gotten worse since he assumed office. Security threats and terrorism are on the increase, enforced disappearances have hit an all-time high, and the security of the citizens continues to be compromised. Instead of addressing these key issues, Naqvi has been accused of indulging in political victimization. With one individual playing multiple roles, the efficiency of cricket management has also been affected. Nepotism and the wrong choices have taken Pakistan cricket down a spiral. The team has not lived up to expectations in major tournaments, such as the Champions Trophy, being knocked out in the initial rounds. Where Did the ICC Funds Go? Pakistan was handed a large amount of money to prepare for hosting the Champions Trophy. The money was to be utilized in upgrading stadiums, better facilities, and a smooth run for the tournament. But given what Gaddafi Stadium looks like today, it is evident that the money has not been used in an appropriate manner. Moreover, in the rain affected match between South Africa and Australia at Rawalpindi, the ground was not covered fully which caught the eyes of many. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif did spoke out about this on his social media handle. It's a shame that the Rawalpindi ground isn't fully covered. Such an important match - SA vs Aus - might go down the drain because no one addressed this issue. Was the ICC money utilised wisely by hosts? pic.twitter.com/nPwthd1fji — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 25, 2025 Additionally, the PCB was also given USD 4.5 million for shifting matches after India denied visiting Pakistan. However, as a fraction of the USD 70 million budget, this is a small figure. If PCB had been careful with its money, there would have been no necessity for these extra requests. Also Read | PCB Faces Financial Strain as Stadium Renovation Costs Surge Cricket and Political Turmoil Cricket in Pakistan is in trouble because of poor governance. Rather than focusing on player development, infrastructure, and strategic planning, the PCB has been involved in internal politics and mismanagement. While the action against PTI members and political opponents has further diverted attention from key issues such as sports development and public welfare. The focus should have been to organize Pakistan so well that the country hosts the Champions Trophy to its best capability and utilizes the funds provided by ICC effectively. Yet, this episode of Gaddafi Stadium indicates something bigger, the improper administration, inaction with no accountability, and failure to implement commitments. Conclusion Pakistan cricket is at a juncture. If PCB fails to act now to correct the problems, it will invite more embarrassment in front of the international community. The ICC money was supposed to upgrade cricket facilities, but the state of Gaddafi Stadium says otherwise. The actual question is, who will be held responsible for this failure? If huge sums of money like this cannot be handled effectively, how can Pakistan hope to move ahead in international cricket? PCB requires drastic reforms, proper planning, and responsible leadership so that the future of cricket in Pakistan is not jeopardized.