Pakistan cricket officials absent from Champions Trophy 2025 final: ICC clarifies

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially responded to concerns regarding the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials during the Champions Trophy 2025 final, held on Sunday, March 9, in Dubai. With Pakistan being the official host of the tournament, many questioned why no PCB representatives were present at the awards ceremony.

An ICC spokesperson clarified that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the designated representative of the host board, had been invited to the event but was unable to attend.

“Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final,” the spokesperson stated.

This absence led to criticism from Pakistani fans, former cricketers, and analysts who felt that the host nation deserved official representation at the closing ceremony. However, the ICC reiterated that its long-standing protocol only allows the head of the host board—such as the chairman, president, vice president, or CEO—to participate in the award distribution. Even if other PCB officials were present at the venue, they would not have been included in the stage proceedings.

PCB to question ICC over the exclusion of its CEO

Despite ICC’s clarification, sources within the PCB have indicated that the board intends to raise the matter with the ICC. The PCB is reportedly planning to formally question why its CEO, Sumair Ahmad Syed, who was in Dubai for the final, was not invited to be part of the awards ceremony.

A PCB insider expressed concerns, stating, “It is troubling that Pakistan had no representation at the ceremony despite the presence of a senior PCB official in Dubai. We will be seeking clarification on this matter from the ICC.”

The lack of Pakistani representation at the Champions Trophy final has been widely criticized by former players, with ex-Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar being one of the most vocal critics. Akhtar and others believe that, regardless of standard procedures, the host nation should have had some form of representation during the final moments of the tournament.

Social media was also abuzz with discussions about the issue, with many Pakistani fans expressing frustration over what they perceived as a lack of respect towards the host board.

Pakistan was the designated host for the Champions Trophy 2025, but the final was moved to Dubai as India had qualified for the title match. This decision was made due to security concerns and logistical challenges surrounding an India-Pakistan match on Pakistani soil. India ultimately went on to win the tournament, securing their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling contest.

While the ICC has defended its decision and reiterated its official stance, it remains to be seen whether the PCB will formally lodge a complaint or demand a revision of such protocols for future ICC tournaments. With growing discontent within Pakistan’s cricketing circles, the matter could lead to further discussions between PCB and ICC officials in the coming weeks.

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