Following Pakistan cricket team’s early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025, further complications arose after the final in Dubai. Despite Pakistan being the host, the final was moved to Dubai due to India’s participation, a decision agreed upon beforehand by all cricket boards because of India’s security concerns regarding playing in Pakistan.
Controversy ignited when former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and other prominent figures noted the lack of Pakistan Cricket Board representation at the Champions Trophy 2025 final presentation ceremony.
According to reports, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s absence was due to illness. However, former Pakistan player Basit Ali argued that Naqvi should have attended.
Basit Ali stated on his YouTube channel that Mohsin Naqvi, possessing a private plane and being the host nation’s chairman, should have made the trip to Dubai, even for a brief period. He questioned the reason for his absence, emphasizing the importance of his presence.
Ali also pointed out Jay Shah’s presence and suggested that as the ICC chairman, Shah should have been seated differently, highlighting the need for caution regarding media perception in such roles. He concluded that the PCB chairman’s absence resulted in no Pakistani representation at the prize distribution.
The presentation saw BCCI president Roger Binny awarding jackets to Indian players and medals to officials, while ICC chairman Jay Shah presented the trophy to India’s captain Rohit Sharma and medals to the winning team. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose were also present. Saikia is also a BCCI Director on the ICC board, and Binny is the Alternate Director.
Further fuel was added to the controversy by the non-invitation of Sumair Ahmed, PCB’s chief operating officer and Champions Trophy tournament director, to the stage for the final presentation.
A PCB official confirmed that they have lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, deeming the situation unacceptable.
However, ICC sources suggest that no formal explanation will be provided to the PCB.
According to an ICC source, even ICC CEO Geoff Allardice was not present on stage due to protocol.
