ICC reveals reason behind absence of PCB representatives from Champions Trophy 2025 final award ceremony
PCB CEO Sumair Ahmed was said to be present at the venue but was not invited to the closing ceremony of the global ICC event which was hosted by them.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 culminated with India defeating New Zealand in the final to clinch their third title in the tournament's history. Following their win on Sunday, March 09 in Dubai, the Indian players received the iconic white jackets and winners' medal, while the Kiwi players also received their runners-up medal from the representatives.
Surprisingly, despite being a host, none of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representatives was present at the post-match award ceremony. BCCI President Roger Binny, ICC Chairperson Jay Shah and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia were among those in attendance for the grand presentation at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. As a result, it took no time for the public to question the unavailability of PCB representatives, especially the board's chairperson Mohsin Naqvi.
However, the reason was not on part of ICC's fault, but due to Mohsin himself being unavailable owing to certain prior commitments. An ICC spokesperson confirmed the development that Naqvi was unavailable and could not travel to Dubai for the event.
“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," the ICC official was quoted as saying by India Today in a report.
PCB set to question ICC's act
Despite the statement, the report further mentions that the host nation is not amused with ICC's act of not calling PCB CEO Sumair Ahmed, who was present for the match, but did not get called for the closing ceremony by the organizers due to lack of communication. The Pakistani board is reported to be questioning the council's acts.
“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 in the report mentioned.
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