Recession hits PCB plan to rope in sponsors

“There were no bids for the rights and it was obvious the market is weak these days and companies are not willing to put money into cricket,” said one source.

He said it was then decided to try to sell title and other sponsorship rights on a series to series basis to make it easier for sponsors.

“But till now we haven’t got an enthusiastic response for the Sri Lanka series but we remain hopeful that things will improve because with the year ending companies will reserve funds in their budgets for cricket,” the source added.

He said the board was looking to generate revenue of around USD five million from the Sri Lanka series with majority of the money expected from the sale of television rights to the Dubai based ‘Ten Sports’.

“Whatever funds we generate we have to shell out at least USD two million on paying appearance fees to the Sri Lankans and other expenses on organising the series,” he said.

The PCB has to pay appearance money to Sri Lanka as the tour is not part of the Future Tours Programme of the International Cricket Council.

The sources in the board said that efforts were being made to get sponsorship for the Sri Lanka series as PCB’s coffers have not swelled this past year following the postponement of a number of events including the Champions Trophy.

“There is an economic recession and it is being felt in Pakistan as well. But we are confident that with the New Year things will improve and people will start investing in cricket,” one source said.

He said India pulling out of the tour was a big blow to Pakistan cricket as it was expecting to generate around USD 20 million from the series.

“Even the broadcasters who brought our television rights had pinned a lot of hope on the India series,” he confided.