Champions Trophy 2025 finally concluded on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket stadium, with India clinching their third title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the finals. However, the tournament's conclusion was marred by controversy after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials' absence from the Champions Trophy 2025 closing ceremony.
ICC's clarification on PCB officials' absence from Champions Trophy presentation ceremony
The lead-up to the tournament was fraught with tension following dispute between Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and PCB over hosting rights. The boards ultimately reached a compromise by adopting a hybrid model, but the tournament's conclusion was further clouded by controversy. A post-match presentation was overshadowed by a noticeable absence of a PCB member, sparking a fresh wave of debate and discontent.
Following the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, the International Cricket Council (ICC) addressed the controversy and came out with an explanation over PCB officials' absence during the presentation ceremony.
An ICC spokesperson revealed that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unavailable and didn't travel to Dubai for the final.
“Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final,” the spokesperson stated.
The absence of Pakistani representation during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final ceremony in Dubai sparked concern and discussion among fans and cricket experts. Many questioned the lack of a PCB official on stage, raising potential issues of protocol and representation. In response to these concerns, ICC clarified its position. The governing body stated that it maintains a consistent set of protocols and procedures for all its tournaments, ensuring uniformity and fairness across all events.
“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 spokesperson added.
ICC sought to dispel any notion of preferential treatment, reiterating that the protocol observed during the Champions Trophy final was consistent with established practices across all ICC tournaments. They clarified that the absence of any PCB official on stage was solely due to the designated representative's decision not to attend the event.
Despite the ICC's explanation, reports were doing rounds that the PCB is dissatisfied with the situation and intends to escalate the matter with the governing body. The PCB plans to inquire why CEO Sameer Ahmed Syed, who was present in Dubai in his capacity as tournament director, was not extended an invitation to the ceremony. This planned challenge suggests a potential rift between the PCB and the ICC regarding the event's protocol.