Champions Trophy 2025: PCB slams ICC yet again

The chief operating officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board has accused the ICC of instigating the mishandling of the Champions Trophy's final presentation event in Dubai. Even though PCB CEO Sumair Ahmed was on the ground for the final presentation ceremony in Dubai, no Pakistani delegate was invited to the podium.

At an event in Lahore, Sumair stated that the ICC's poor management was to blame. Everyone is aware of the ICC's involvement in the mishandling that led to it. We didn't approach the situation favourably," he stated. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi nominated Sumair to represent the board at the March 9 final in Dubai, however, he was not invited up to the platform to deliver prizes following India's triumph over New Zealand.

Following the unveiling of the youth talent hunt program at the school and college levels on Saturday, Sumair told a news conference, "I was at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as Mr Naqvi was unable to attend."

Naqvi was invited to the final ceremony but chose not to attend, according to an ICC official. The statement said, "Mr Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final."

The ICC went on to explain that the Champions Trophy, which was largely hosted in Dubai because of India's worries about safety in Pakistan, is subject to the same rules about who is allowed to attend the ceremonies as other competitions.  

"The ICC only invites the head of the host board such as the president, vice president, chairman, or CEO - to participate in the awards ceremony. Other board officials, even if present at the venue, are not part of the stage proceedings," the ICC spokesperson added.

"We asked for an explanation from the ICC, but the response was unsatisfactory, so we have sent another letter seeking clarification," he stated. Pakistan was noticeably absent from the presenting ceremony, which was attended by BCCI President Roger Binny, ICC Chairman Jay Shah, New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose, and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.

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