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The 2025 Champions Trophy came to a thrilling conclusion at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), with India lifting the coveted trophy. However, a controversy has emerged regarding the absence of any Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representative on the presentation podium, despite Pakistan being the official host nation of the tournament.
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Shoaib Akhtar Questions PCB’s Absence
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was among the first to highlight the conspicuous absence of a PCB official at the award ceremony. Expressing his disappointment in a social media video, Akhtar said:
“India have won the Champions Trophy, but I noticed something rather strange. There wasn’t a single representative from the PCB on the podium, even though Pakistan was the host of the tournament. I can’t understand why no one was there to represent the country. It’s beyond me to even think about. There should have been someone on this world stage. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any PCB members out there.”
Why Was PCB Missing From the Presentation Ceremony?
The main reason for the absence of a PCB representative was protocol restrictions. According to ICC guidelines, only elected members or directors of cricket boards were allowed on the podium during the presentation ceremony.
- PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not travel to Dubai for the final.
- Sumair Ahmed, the tournament director for the Pakistan leg, was sent as the PCB’s representative.
- However, since he is an employee and not an elected official, he was not permitted on the podium.
- Similarly, Andre Russell, the tournament director for the Dubai leg, was also absent from the podium for the same reason.
Who Was Present on the Podium?
The only officials present were elected members and directors from the governing bodies of the finalists and the International Cricket Council (ICC):
✅ Jay Shah – ICC Chair
✅ Roger Binny – BCCI President
✅ Devajit Saikia – BCCI Secretary
✅ Roger Twose – New Zealand Cricket Director
A Diplomatic Oversight or Just Protocol?
The lack of PCB representation has raised eyebrows in Pakistan, with some considering it a diplomatic snub, while others see it as a simple adherence to ICC regulations.
Whatever the case, the absence of Pakistan’s hosting board on such a grand stage has sparked yet another controversy, adding a sour note to what was otherwise an exhilarating Champions Trophy final.
