PCB officials missing from CT final presentation, sparks major row

A major controversy erupted after no Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official was present on stage during the Champions Trophy 2025 final presentation ceremony at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India clinched their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets, but the absence of PCB representatives has led to widespread criticism.

Despite Pakistan being the official host of the tournament, all of India’s matches, including the final, were played in Dubai under a hybrid model due to security concerns. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not attend the final due to official commitments as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, but PCB Chief Operating Officer and tournament director Sumair Ahmad Syed was reportedly present at the venue. However, he was not invited to the stage during the closing ceremony.

The presentation ceremony was attended by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI President Roger Binny, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket Director Roger Twose. Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment, stating, “India has won the ICC Champions Trophy today but I noticed something strange. Pakistan were the hosts, but there were no PCB representatives here. This is beyond my understanding.”

Sources suggest that the ICC decides who stands on the podium and generally includes top office-bearers and directors. However, the exclusion of the PCB’s tournament director has raised concerns. Some reports indicate that the PCB may formally raise the issue with the ICC to clarify why their official was not invited to the stage despite hosting the tournament.

The 2025 Champions Trophy marked Pakistan’s first major ICC event as a host in 29 years, but the national team faced disappointment, exiting in the group stage after losses to India and New Zealand. The absence of PCB officials at the final ceremony has further fueled debates over Pakistan’s role in global cricket events.