The Champions Trophy 2025 final, held in Dubai, concluded with India clinching the title after a four-wicket victory over New Zealand. However, the post-match presentation ceremony became a focal point of controversy due to the absence of any Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representatives on stage, despite Pakistan being the official host of the tournament.
Incident Details:
Traditionally, officials from the host nation’s cricket board are present during the trophy presentation. In this instance, the ceremony included ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI President Roger Binny, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket Director Roger Twose. Notably, no PCB official was invited to participate, even though PCB CEO Sumair Ahmed Syed, who also served as the tournament director, was present at the venue.
Reactions from Former Pakistan Cricketers:
The omission drew sharp criticism from former Pakistani cricketers. Wasim Akram expressed his frustration, stating, “As far as I know, Chairman Saab (PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi) wasn’t well, but the people that came from there (PCB) were Sumair Ahmad Syed (Chief Operating Officer of PCB) and Usman Wahla (Director of International for PCB), but no one was there on the stage.”
Similarly, Shoaib Akhtar questioned the absence, remarking, “India has won the Champions Trophy, but I noticed there was no representative from the PCB after the final. Pakistan was hosting the Champions Trophy. I do not understand it.”
PCB’s Position:
Reports indicate that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unable to attend the final due to prior commitments as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior. Consequently, PCB CEO Sumair Ahmed Syed was designated to represent the board at the event. The PCB has expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of representation and is expected to raise the issue with the ICC to understand the reasons behind this oversight.
Conclusion:
The exclusion of PCB officials from the Champions Trophy final presentation ceremony has sparked significant controversy, highlighting potential communication lapses and raising questions about the ICC’s protocol in such high-profile events. The PCB’s anticipated engagement with the ICC on this matter underscores the importance of host nation representation in international sporting ceremonies.
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