PCB to spend huge for the World XI series

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to spend USD 3 million approximately for hosting the World XI side in Lahore next month. Cricket is finally returning to Pakistan as 3 T20Is are scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium from September 12 to 15. The World XI side boasts of some big names which make up for a competitive series.

An official of the board confirmed that the approximate budget which included the payments to be made to the players and officials. Faf du Plessis will captain the visiting World XI side which includes the likes of Hashim Amla, Morne Morkel, Darren Sammy. The coach of the team will be Andy Flower and the team will practice in Dubai for one week ahead of the series.

PCB not looking to make profits

The board official revealed the budget for the series and also cleared that the board is not looking to make any profits from the series. “The PCB is not looking at making any profits from this series. We see the World XI tour as the first real big step towards revival of international cricket in the country,” he said.

He also said that the efforts would be made to recover the spent money from broadcasting rights, sponsorships and ticket revenues. It is being reported that PCB has agreed to pay a hefty amount to the players between USD 75,000 and USD 100,000. ICC too has granted the International status to these games as PCB has agreed to bare all the expenses.

The series is the big step towards the revival of International cricket in Pakistan as the prominent international players are visiting the country. No Test nation has visited the country since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus.

Only Zimbabwe visited Pakistan for a short series in May 2015 but that was also marred by a blast near the stadium. For the World XI tour, the ICC will be sending its match referee while the umpires will be from Pakistan.