ICC Issues Statement After PCB Officials’ Absence at Champions Trophy Final
The absence of PCB officials has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ICC's management of the event
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued a statement following the notable absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final ceremony in Dubai.
The ceremony, which took place after India defeated New Zealand in the final, included representatives from the ICC, BCCI, and New Zealand Cricket Board. Still, no PCB officials were present on stage.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unable to attend the ceremony due to health reasons and did not travel to Dubai for the final. The ICC clarified that it only invites the head of the host board to participate in the awards ceremony, which typically includes the president, vice president, chairman, or CEO. Other officials are not typically included in stage proceedings.
Despite being present at the final, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed was not invited to the stage, which some described as a deliberate snub.
Former Pakistani cricketers like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar expressed disappointment over the absence of PCB officials, questioning why no Pakistani representative was on stage.
The PCB is reportedly planning to take up the matter with the ICC, expressing displeasure over the omission of its officials from the ceremony.
The absence of PCB officials has sparked controversy and raised questions about the ICC’s management of the event, particularly given Pakistan’s role as the host nation for most of the tournament.
