PCB approves deficit budget

The Pakistan Cricket Board has approved a deficit budget for 2011-2012 as its finances continue to be hit by teams refusing to tour the country due to security concerns, a reality that has forced Pakistan to 'host' teams at neutral venues.

Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, though insisted that not being able to host matches at home did not mean that the board was losing money each time Pakistan play a series abroad. "We have been forced to play away from home for the last two years but the impression that we suffer losses in every series played at a neutral venue is not correct," Butt said after a meeting of the PCB governing board.

Pakistan have played 'home' series against New Zealand in New Zealand, and against Australia and England in England. They then played a full one-day and Test series against South Africa in the UAE and have chosen that venue for their upcoming series against Sri Lanka in October this year and England in January next year.

Butt also outlined a proposal to boost the standard of club cricket in Pakistan. "We have plans to lift club cricket so that our domestic cricket improves and for that we have planned around 5000 matches at club level in the country in the next season." Former spinner Abdul Qadir has been appointed co-ordinator for club cricket.

Pakistan is also hoping to host its own Twenty20 league, according to Butt, modelled on the lucrative Indian Premier League. "We want to stage our own Twenty20 league. Although we do not have the expertise, we are still trying."

In a decision that is a reflection of the numerous disputes the board has been involved in with players, a panel of 12 lawyers has been appointed to help the PCB with its legal issues.