The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended an order directing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to disclose the salaries, perks and financial records of national cricketers.
The interim relief came after the PCB challenged the directive issued by the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC). Consequently, the court stayed the implementation of the order until the next hearing.
A single-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar heard the petition filed by the PCB through its legal counsel. The court also issued notices to the respondents and fixed September 22, 2026, for the next hearing.
Order Required Disclosure of Financial Records
The suspended PIC order had instructed the PCB to make several financial documents public.
These included the board’s annual budgets, audit reports, remuneration of national players, payments made to selection committee members and expenditure related to the T20 World Cup 2026.
However, the PCB argued that the commission had exceeded its legal authority while issuing the directive.
PCB Challenges Commission’s Jurisdiction
According to the petition, the PCB maintained that the order violated the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.
The board argued that the commission failed to distinguish between information that must be disclosed publicly and information protected under legal exemptions.
Furthermore, the PCB stated that certain records involve personal privacy, confidential contractual arrangements, commercially sensitive information and third-party interests.
The board maintained that such information cannot automatically be treated as public records.
Board Defends Privacy of Financial Information
The PCB also argued that the requested information extended beyond institutional spending.
Instead, it included personal financial details of identifiable individuals.
According to the board, there is an important legal distinction between institutional transparency and the private financial affairs of employees and contracted individuals.
The petition further stated that the PCB primarily generates its revenue through commercial activities rather than government funding.
Therefore, the board argued that the legal framework governing disclosure should be applied carefully.
Financial Transparency Remains Under Spotlight
The PCB has remained under public scrutiny regarding financial transparency in recent years.
Since the appointment of Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in 2024, the board has stopped publishing detailed financial statements on its official website.
Previously, such financial records were regularly available for public access.
The change attracted criticism from transparency advocates and contributed to requests seeking greater disclosure of the board’s finances.
Court Grants Interim Relief
During the proceedings, Assistant Attorney General Asif Khan Jadoon also appeared before the court.
Meanwhile, the court accepted the PCB’s exemption application, subject to all legal exceptions.
As a result, the PIC’s July 9 order will remain suspended until the matter is heard again.
The case has now been adjourned until September 22, 2026, when the Islamabad High Court will continue hearing the PCB’s challenge against the disclosure order.
