India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at Dubai International Stadium. The trophy presentation was attended by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI President Roger Binny, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, and NZC Director Roger Twose. However, there was no representative from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on the stage, which sparked criticism.
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment, saying it was “beyond his understanding” that PCB officials were missing from such an important moment, especially since Pakistan was the tournament host.
Reports suggest that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not attend the event due to his duties as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, as he was occupied with a joint parliamentary session in Islamabad. However, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed, who was also the tournament director, was in Dubai but was not invited to the stage.
Shoaib Akhtar, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), said:
“India won the ICC Champions Trophy today, but something felt strange. Pakistan was the host, yet no PCB officials were present at the trophy presentation. This is beyond my understanding. Why was there no one from Pakistan to represent us? It’s a world stage, and it was disappointing to see no PCB members there.”
The absence of any Pakistani representative at the closing ceremony has raised questions about PCB’s handling of the event. Fans and experts are now debating whether this was a missed opportunity for Pakistan Cricket.
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