AGP Accuses Najam Sethi of Corrupt Practices in PCB & PSL

Pakistan Super League (PSL) audit carried out by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has revealed that major contracts for season 1 and 2 were awarded without proper procedures and several appointments were made on favoritism.

The discrepancies were reported in the audit report submitted by the AGP to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination after the General Elections. Despite repeated directives by a National Assembly Committee to submit a detailed audit report of the PSL, Najam Sethi did not carry out the league’s audit and failed to submit the detailed report on expenses and revenues. A 2-page report was all that the committee received.

The federal government has decided to make the report public to let the people know about the premier T20 league.

The report mentioned the appointments for key positions – General Manager International Cricket Operations Usman Wahla and Director Marketing Naila Bhatti – were based on favoritism. Naila Bhatti is reportedly a close friend of Najam Sethi and possesses a bachelors degree which does not entitle her to a Director’s post in the PCB.

There are also questions about the bonuses and salaries of certain employees, discrepancies in local and foreign visits of board officials and massive spendings on opening and closing ceremonies of the PSL.

Chairman Elections

Due to the imminent elections for the PCB Chairman, the cricketing body has postponed the meeting with PSL franchises until the new head of the body is elected.

With Ehsan Mani becoming the new PCB Chairman, the organization is optimistic about a good broadcasting deal, despite the franchises’ concerns about the new leadership, as well as luring in sponsors as the Chairman-in waiting has vast experience in international cricket governance.

Team value of franchises, title sponsorship, broadcasting rights, as well as other significant matters of the next PSL edition are to be discussed in the meeting.

Via Tribune