Mohsin Naqvi- (Source:@FaridKhan/X.com)
In a significant development, the PCB has again hogged the internet for the wrong reasons, as they have now made a restriction on the distribution of free passes for the Champions Trophy to generate revenue. Notably, a cricket board usually reserve several complimentary passes for its VIP guests, sponsors, board members, players and some fans as well.
However, in order to generate more revenue, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has issued an advisory, instructing the board to restrict the sales of these passes. A source close to the PCB shed light on the matter as the board members are pleading for the ban to be reversed. Although, the source added that the PCB is telling that the ICC has a role to play in banning the sale of complimentary passes.
PCB Restricts Sale Of Complimentary Passes
"The PCB officials are facing a lot of pressure as those used to getting free passes are asking them for the freebies, but are being told that since the International Cricket Council controls the ticketing of the tournament there are no free passes," A source privy to the ticketing process for the Champions Trophy said, as quoted by PTI.
"It becomes very difficult explaining this to the government departments involved in the many logistical aspects of the organisation of matches and the VVIPs who expect free passes. This time, all the people you see in the enclosures in the stadium are paying customers no freebies," he added.
Empty Seats And Low Hype For Champions Trophy Concerning
Pakistan have got off to the worst possible start in Champions Trophy 2025 as they suffered a 60-run defeat in their first match against New Zealand. While the state of Pakistan cricket is concerning for the PCB, they also have bigger things to worry about.
Notably, empty seats have hogged the internet in the first four matches, where the viewers questioned the lack of attendance in Pakistan, despite an ICC event returning to the country after 29 years.