Mohsin Naqvi plays collector, PSL teams ask for their share in unpaid billions saga

The Pakistan Cricket Board has initiated recovery proceedings over unpaid dues from multiple stakeholders, even as franchises in the Pakistan Super League seek clarity on delayed revenue distributions. Legal notices have been issued to teams, broadcast partners and commercial entities, signalling a financial standoff involving both incoming and outgoing payments.

According to reports, the board has asked defaulting parties to clear outstanding amounts or face potential termination of contracts. The move comes as franchises, after settling their own pending annual fees, have turned attention to unpaid shares from the central revenue pool. The situation reflects a cycle where liabilities on one side are being linked to recoveries on the other, leaving settlements incomplete across the board. A PCB source said tp PTI,

“Initially, some defaulting franchises of the Pakistan Super League were also sent notices to clear their outstanding annual fees or face action. These franchises have now cleared their dues but also asked the board to clear their share from the central pool for the franchises pending since 2010."

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Payment delays and central pool concerns

Franchises have raised concerns regarding delayed disbursement from the central pool, with one team reportedly awaiting approximately PKR 96 crore linked to a recent edition of the league. The board, however, has maintained that payments are contingent on receiving dues from its own partners, effectively tying franchise payouts to broader financial recoveries.

Estimates suggest that pending payments to some teams range between PKR 40 to 45 crore from the previous season. The delays have created a scenario where compliance from franchises has not translated into immediate settlement from the board, reinforcing the dependence on external revenue streams.

The structure, while standard in distribution, has faced strain due to irregular inflow, leading to partial or deferred payments. The situation has not resulted in cancellations but has prompted formal communication between all parties involved.

Broadcast default and audit impact

A significant portion of the outstanding amount is reportedly linked to a broadcast and commercial rights holder, identified as the largest defaulter with dues of approximately PKR 4.5 billion. The entity has cited financial losses, contributing to the delay in clearing payments owed to the board. The source said,

“Because of this, the board hasn’t been able to keep its financial records up to date and audit its accounts."

The absence of timely payments has also affected the board’s ability to complete audits and maintain updated financial records. With legal notices issued and responses pending, the process remains ongoing, with recoveries and payouts interlinked under existing contractual frameworks.