‘$2 million everytime a team visits us’- Ramiz Raja staggered at increased financial strain due to security cover

Pakistan is going through an economic downturn. The negative effects of inflation are also seen on Pakistan Cricket, chairman Ramiz Raja recently revealed. The financial condition of Pakistan takes an even bigger hit when a foreign team tours the country.

Recently teams like South Africa, Australia and England have toured Pakistan for cricket series in different forms. All these teams however come to Pakistan on the promise of multi-layered security cover given the Sri Lanka team was attacked by 12 gunmen near Gaddafi Stadium in March 2009.

These security arrangements however seem to have taken a huge toll on Pakistan Cricket Board’s finances. Raza admitted that the PCB would not be able to carry on like this.

“The bills are staggering. We are talking about 2 million US Dollars every time a team visits us. Right now, we are sharing the bill with the administration. I don’t know whether it is sustainable or not because the police is under a lot of stress and pressure. The entire city shuts down. It is inconvenient for the fans and citizens. But we have to do it to make it happen in Pakistan so people forget about hardships. The administration has been kind of enough. They say you take care of the 25 percent of the bills, rest we will take care of, “said Raja.

We have to find a way out- Raja

The former Pakistan cricketer also said that it is impossible to spend so much money on tours like this. “But eventually, it is going to hit our pockets. To dish out 2 million dollars every time Australia and England are here will hit us. But we have to find a way out somehow. Ideal scenario is not to have too much of security but that will happen in another two years.”

Currently, England’s Test team is touring Pakistan for a 3-match Test series. The Ben Stokes-led side have come to Pakistan after a gap of 17 years. The visitors won the first match by 74 runs