I will be the first one to take a salary cut if required amid COVID-19 outbreak: PCB CEO Wasim Khan

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the sporting scenario across the globe as no major tournament or series is currently being held in the world. The spread of the virus has compelled everyone to abide by the lockdown and stay indoors as a precaution against the life-threatening virus. So far, the virus has taken the lives of over 2 lakh people across the world

Meanwhile, Several boards including ECB, CA, PCB and BCCI are trying their best to work for the resumption of cricketing activities. If the activities don’t resume in the near future, the boards are expected to suffer severe losses.

Meanwhile, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan has said the board can handle financial challenges for the next couple of years. However, if the need arises, he will be the first one to accept a pay cut.

“We are lucky to complete most of our season at home and at the moment we are not facing major financial challenges. But if required, I will be the first to take a salary cut and nobody needs to ask me for that,” said Wasim speaking in daily show ‘Replay’.

‘PCB is working on its coming budget’: Wasim Khan

Wasim Khan also added that PCB is currently working on a budget and they’re not planning to slash the salaries of centrally contracted players. Moreover, he also expressed his concerns in finding sponsors in domestic cricket amid the current situation which is quite stern.

“PCB is working on its coming budget but we will not be slashing the salaries of centrally contracted players. From July 1, our financial year will begin and we are working on our budgeting. We need to finance our domestic cricket as we are unlikely to get sponsors in the current situation,” said Wasim.

Emphasising the priority of domestic cricket, Wasim said– “We will not compromise on domestic cricket. The season will commence in October and November and if the situation gets better, we will do our best to maintain the central contracts of our players, both men and women.”

Wasim is hopeful that PCB won’t incur any immediate losses as Pakistan’s next home series is in November. However, the PCB is leaving no stones unturned in planning the next budget and the board is trying to do away with unnecessary expenses.

“But yes, we are trying to do away with unnecessary expenses. Chairman Ehsan Mani had already controlled the expenses when he took charge but we will see where we can reduce further. Our next home series is in November, so we still don’t have any immediate losses but we will be carefully planning the next budgets,” he said.