In order to properly host the World XI side in Lahore next month for three T20 exhibition matches, scheduled to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will spend approximately $3 million.
An official of the board confirmed on Monday that the approximate budget, which included payments to the players and officials. “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 said that efforts would be made to recover these costs from broadcasting rights, sponsorships and ticket revenues. The PCB is said to be paying the players between $75,000 and $100,000 for the short tour that will be held from September 11 to 15. No Test nation has visited the country since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus. The PCB had invited Zimbabwe for a short limited over series in May, 2015.
But that tour was neither approved nor supported by the International Cricket Council (ICC). For the World XI tour, the ICC will be sending its match referee while the umpires will be from Pakistan. The three matches are scheduled on September 12, 13 and 15.