PCB Faces Criticism for Absence at Champions Trophy Final Presentation
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing strong criticism for not sending any representatives to the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, held at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. India triumphed over New Zealand by four wickets to claim their third Champions Trophy title, and the podium ceremony was attended by International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny, secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) director Roger Twose.
Despite being present in Dubai, Sumair Ahmed, the PCB chief operating officer and tournament director of the Champions Trophy, was not invited to join the podium. His absence raised questions about the PCB’s presence at a prestigious global event, especially given Pakistan’s role as the host nation.
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not travel to Dubai due to his official commitment as Pakistan’s interior minister. Naqvi communicated to the ICC that he was busy attending a joint parliament session in Islamabad, where President Asif Zardari was scheduled to speak.
However, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar took to social media to express his confusion over the situation. In a video posted on X, Akhtar questioned why there were no PCB representatives present at the ceremony, despite Pakistan being the tournament’s host. “India has won the ICC Champions Trophy today, but I noticed something strange. Pakistan were the hosts in the tournament but there were no Pakistan Cricket Board representatives here at the trophy presentation. This is beyond my understanding. Why was there no one to represent us and give the trophy? Please think about it, it’s a world stage but sadly I could not see any PCB members. Feeling very down to see that,” Akhtar said.
Some former Pakistani cricketers believe the absence of the PCB chairman at the ceremony sends a negative message, particularly given that India had reached the final and ultimately won the tournament.
This Champions Trophy was Pakistan’s first home tournament in 29 years, but their campaign ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the group stage after defeats to New Zealand and India.
While the ICC is responsible for selecting guests for the podium, the controversy surrounding PCB’s absence from the event remains a point of contention. Despite Sumair Ahmed being in Dubai, he was not invited to the podium, adding to the mounting criticism of the PCB’s handling of the situation.
