PCB Officials Absent from Champions Trophy Presentation Ceremony
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sumair Ahmad Syed has publicly criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for excluding PCB officials from the closing ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Syed labeled the incident as “administrative mismanagement” and called for further clarification from the ICC.
The absence of PCB officials was particularly noticeable during the presentation ceremony, where medals and awards were distributed to the winning and runner-up teams. Instead, ICC Chief Jay Shah, alongside officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was present on stage, raising eyebrows within the cricketing fraternity.
Sumair Ahmad Syed Calls Out ICC’s Oversight
During a media briefing at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, Syed expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of PCB representatives from the significant event.
“I attended the ICC Champions Trophy final since the chairman was unable to make it. We sought an explanation from the ICC, but their response was unsatisfactory. Given the circumstances, we have asked for further clarity. At this stage, I would categorize it as administrative mismanagement on ICC’s part—and everyone knows the forces behind it,” said Syed.
Cricket Legends Voice Concerns Over PCB’s Absence
Several former cricketing greats, including Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, echoed Syed’s sentiments. Akram remarked that it was “odd” for the host nation’s officials to be absent from such a prestigious event, questioning the ICC’s decision-making process.
ICC Responds to PCB’s Criticism
In response to the backlash, the ICC issued a statement explaining the rationale behind the exclusion.
An ICC spokesperson stated, “Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final. As per protocol, the ICC invites only 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 included in stage proceedings.”
India Triumphs Over New Zealand in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
On the field, India secured a four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the final. Chasing a target of 252 runs, India reached the goal with six balls to spare, thanks to captain Rohit Sharma’s match-winning half-century. New Zealand, batting first, posted a total of 251 runs, with Daryl Mitchell contributing a determined fifty.
This victory marks India’s third ICC Champions Trophy title, following their previous triumphs in 2002 and 2013.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding PCB’s exclusion from the closing ceremony has sparked debates within the cricketing world. While the ICC maintains that the decision was procedural, critics argue that such moves undermine the host nation’s role in major tournaments. As Pakistan seeks further clarification, this issue may continue to unfold in the days to come.