Follow UsControversy brewed when there were no Pakistan representatives at the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between India and New Zealand on March 9 (Sunday). While it might not have been a major incident, the tournament’s history with controversies blew it up in huge proportion.
It even led to former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar expressing his displeasure over no PCB officials, questioning the ICC.
"India have won the Champions Trophy, but I noticed something rather strange. There wasn't a single representative from the PCB on the podium, even though Pakistan was the host of the tournament. I can't understand why no one was there to represent the country. It's beyond me to even think about. There should have been someone on this world stage. Unfortunately, I didn't see any PCB members out there," Shoaib Akhtar said in a video posted on social media.
So, were PCB officials actually ignored at the post-tournament presentation ceremony, as everyone claims?
"Mr Naqvi was unavailable and didn’t travel. As per understanding, only office bearers can be called for trophy presentation, so from PCB no office bearer was available for the same. And they (PCB) were the hosts, they should have been there," said the ICC spokesperson.
Unfortunately, there was only PCB’s CEO, Sumair Ahmed, at the venue. According to PTI’s reports, there was a lack of communication, or misunderstanding between Sumair and ICC, which led to him not being invited on stage.
"PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi didn't go to Dubai because of prior commitments as federal minister for interior but the PCB CEO was sent to represent Pakistan at the final and closing presentation," a source said to PTI.
PCB are likely to seek out a thorough explanation from ICC regarding the same.