By SRTeam The conclusion of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has been overshadowed by a burgeoning controversy involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB has expressed profound dissatisfaction over the absence of its officials during the tournament’s final presentation ceremony, signaling intentions to lodge a formal protest.
Presentation Ceremony Exclusion Sparks Outrage
The final, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, saw India’s triumph over New Zealand. However, the spotlight shifted from the on-field achievements to the presentation podium, where notable figures such as ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny, and Secretary Devajit Saikia were present. Conspicuously missing was any representative from the PCB, despite Pakistan being the principal host of the tournament.
Insiders reveal that PCB CEO and Champions Trophy Tournament Director, Sumair Ahmed Syed, was present at the venue but was not invited to partake in the ceremony. This omission has been perceived by many as a deliberate slight. A source within the PCB disclosed, “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.” The PCB has rejected this explanation, citing multiple instances where Pakistan’s status as host nation was undermined during the tournament.
Voices of Discontent from Cricket Legends
The incident has elicited strong reactions from former Pakistani cricket stalwarts. Wasim Akram, expressing his bewilderment, remarked, “How come even the CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board or whoever it may be who was representing that chairman was not on the stage? It definitely looked odd to me.” Similarly, Shoaib Akhtar voiced his dismay, stating, “Pakistan were the hosts in the tournament but there were no Pakistan Cricket Board representatives here. This is beyond my understanding.”
Accumulation of Grievances
This recent episode adds to a series of grievances the PCB has harbored throughout the tournament. Earlier, during a match between Australia and England in Lahore, the Indian national anthem was mistakenly played instead of Australia’s. This blunder prompted the PCB to seek an explanation from the ICC, especially given the geopolitical sensitivities involved.
Geopolitical Underpinnings and the ‘Hybrid Model’
The tournament’s organization was further complicated by strained political relations between India and Pakistan. India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan led to the adoption of a ‘hybrid model,’ wherein India’s fixtures were relocated to Dubai. This arrangement disrupted the tournament’s schedule and raised questions about the ICC’s role in accommodating such demands, potentially prioritizing financial considerations over the sport’s integrity.
PCB’s Call for Accountability
In light of these events, the PCB is preparing to formally protest the exclusion of its officials from the closing ceremony. The board contends that such actions not only disrespect Pakistan’s contributions as the host nation but also set a concerning precedent for future international tournaments. The PCB’s stance underscores a broader call for transparency and equitable treatment within the ICC’s governance structures.
Looking Ahead: Implications for International Cricket
This controversy casts a shadow over the ICC’s commitment to fostering unity and fairness in international cricket. The exclusion of host nation representatives from pivotal ceremonial roles raises critical questions about respect, recognition, and the equitable distribution of responsibilities and honors.
As the cricketing world reflects on the events of the 2025 Champions Trophy, it becomes imperative for the ICC to address these concerns earnestly. Ensuring that all member nations, irrespective of political dynamics, are accorded due respect and representation is crucial for the sport’s global cohesion and integrity.
In conclusion, the PCB’s planned protest serves as a pivotal moment for introspection within the ICC. Addressing the grievances raised not only by the PCB but also by cricketing legends and fans worldwide will be essential in preserving the spirit of the game and ensuring that cricket remains a unifying force across nations.