CT 2025: PCB rejects ICC's explanation over Pakistan officials' snub from Champions Trophy final presentation - Report

There was no one representing the PCB in any capacity on the podium.

India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the title clash to lift the coveted trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (March 9).

Although Pakistan were the designated hosts for the Champions Trophy, there was no one representing the PCB in any capacity on the podium.

The turn of events left the Pakistan cricket fraternity disappointed. Now, a PTI report claims that the Pakistan board is set to register its protest with the ICC for ignoring its CEO and Champions Trophy tournament director Sumair Ahmed Syed during the event’s closing ceremony.

A source in the PCB told the news agency that chairman Mohsin Naqvi was not satisfied with the explanation given by the ICC for not having Ahmed on stage.

“The ICC, apparently, has said it had prepared for Mohsin Naqvi to be on stage so when he didn’t show up for the final, they changed their plan," the source said.

The PCB has dismissed this explanation while also pointing out that the ICC had made a number of errors during the tournament regarding Pakistan’s status as host nation.

This included changing the CT2025 logo in the live broadcasts feed of the India versus Bangladesh game and then playing the Indian national anthem in the Australia versus England match in Lahore.

The ICC claimed due to a mix up with the playlist the Indian national anthem was played for a few seconds before the error was corrected.

Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, handed the Champions Trophy to the victorious captain, Rohit Sharma. Roger Binny, the BCCI president, presented the champions’ white blazers. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and New Zealand Cricket’s CEO Roger Twose were among the other dignitaries on stage.

Meanwhile, the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has extended his gratitude to his team, law enforcement agencies, provincial governments, ICC officials and the visiting teams for the success of the showpiece tournament.

“Your commitment and collective efforts ensured the seamless execution of the prestigious tournament," Naqvi said on his social media handle.

“Pakistan takes immense pride in hosting the Champions trophy and making it a spectacle for cricket fans worldwide."

(With PTI Inputs)