The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) response regarding the absence of a PCB representative during the Champions Trophy 2025 final presentation ceremony. Reports suggest the PCB is preparing to lodge a formal protest, escalating tensions between the two cricketing bodies.
What Happened at the Champions Trophy 2025 Final?
The Champions Trophy 2025 final, held in Dubai under the hybrid hosting model, saw India clinch the title. However, the absence of a PCB official during the trophy presentation ceremony sparked controversy. Despite being the primary hosts of the tournament, no representative from Pakistan was invited to the podium.
- PCB COO Ignored?
PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Sumair Ahmad, who was present at the venue, was reportedly not invited to the stage. The ICC clarified that only elected members or directors of cricket boards are allowed on the podium during such ceremonies. - PCB Chairman’s Absence
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not attend the event due to a packed schedule, leaving no senior PCB official available for the presentation.
ICC’s Clarification and PCB’s Reaction
An ICC spokesperson stated, “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.”
However, the PCB has rejected this explanation, calling it unsatisfactory. A PCB source revealed, “The ICC, apparently, has said it had prepared for Mohsin Naqvi to be on stage, so when he didn’t show up for the final, they changed their plan.”
PCB Plans Formal Protest
The PCB is reportedly preparing to lodge a formal protest against the ICC for what it perceives as a deliberate snub. This incident has added to the board’s growing list of grievances during the Champions Trophy 2025, including:
- Logo Error: Pakistan’s name was missing from the Champions Trophy 2025 logo during the live broadcast of the India vs. Bangladesh match.
- National Anthem Mix-Up: The Indian national anthem was briefly played at the start of the Australia vs. England match in Lahore.
While the ICC attributed the anthem error to a playlist mix-up, the PCB is now determined to investigate these incidents further.
Expert Insights: Why This Matters
Cricket analysts suggest that such incidents highlight the need for better coordination between hosting boards and the ICC.
- Political Tensions: The strained relationship between the PCB and ICC reflects broader geopolitical tensions in cricket, particularly between India and Pakistan.
- Hosting Rights: The hybrid hosting model, which saw matches split between Pakistan and the UAE, has already been a point of contention. This incident further complicates future collaborations.
What’s Next?
The PCB’s formal protest could lead to further discussions between the two bodies. Cricket fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the ICC provides additional clarification or takes steps to address the PCB’s concerns.
