PCB to seek explanation from ICC over exclusion of Pak's representative from post -match ceremony

A new controversy has emerged following the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to exclude a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representative from the Champions Trophy 2025 closing ceremony in Dubai.

The PCB is now preparing to raise concerns with the ICC over what it views as an apparent snub to the official host board.

According to reports, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unable to travel to Dubai due to his commitments as Pakistan’s federal interior minister, leading the PCB to send its COO as a representative.

PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sumair Ahmed, who also served as the tournament director, was present at the venue but was not invited on stage during the post-match ceremony.

However, for reasons yet to be clarified, the PCB representative was not invited onto the podium, where ICC Chairman Jay Shah, along with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny and Secretary Devajit Saikia, gave medals, trophies, and jackets to players. 

The source speculated that a miscommunication between PCB officials and ICC organisers might have led to this oversight, ultimately leaving the official host of the tournament without a representative on stage. 

Meanwhile, former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also voiced his disappointment over the situation. 

"India won the Champions Trophy, but I noticed no PCB representative was present at the post-match ceremony.

Pakistan was the host nation—why was nobody from the PCB there? I don’t understand it," Akhtar remarked in a video posted on social media platform 'X.'

"This is the world stage, and Pakistan should have had its presence felt. It’s disappointing to see this happen," he added.

During the ceremony, BCCI President Roger Binny presented the traditional white jackets to the Indian team, while ICC Chairman Jay Shah awarded the Champions Trophy to Rohit Sharma and distributed medals among the Indian players.

The incident came after India refused to play its matches in Pakistan, citing security concerns. As a result, the PCB agreed to a hybrid model that allowed India to play its games in Dubai.

Now, the PCB is expected to seek answers from the ICC regarding this apparent snub.