PCB Challenges Orders Requiring Disclosure of Players’ Financial Details in IHC

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against two Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) orders requiring it to disclose detailed financial, contractual and operational information about national players, selection committee members and other board officials under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.

The petitions, filled through Advocate Kashif Ali Malik, will be heard by IHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar.

One petition challenges a July 9 PIC order directing the PCB to disclose its budgets for 2023-25, expenditure details, confidentiality policies, information on players and officials who travelled for this year’s T20 World Cup, and audit mechanisms and reports.

The second concerns Pakistan’s ODI series against South Africa at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium in November 2025. The PIC ordered the PCB to provide details of revenue and expenditure related to the series, as well as plans to upgrade the stadium for PSL Season 12.

The PCB has argued that it does not receive funding from the federal government or Consolidated Fund and instead generates revenue through broadcasting and media rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, licensing, international events and ICC distributions.

The board contends that the PIC orders overlook exemptions under Section 16 of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, which protect personal privacy, confidential contracts, commercially sensitive information and third-party interests.

The PCB also warned that releasing players’ remuneration and contractual details could harm its commercial interests and negotiations. It has sought interim relief, arguing that disclosure of confidential information could cause irreversible damage to its commercial interests and third-party privacy rights.