Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi commended his team for the successful organization of the ICC Champions Trophy in the nation. He described it as a ‘historic event’ for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams and officially hosted by Pakistan, concluded on Sunday with India’s victory over New Zealand in Dubai. Due to India’s decision not to play in Pakistan, all of their matches were held in Dubai. This tournament marked Pakistan’s first major ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup.
Naqvi expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking the PCB team, law enforcement, provincial governments, ICC officials, and the cricket teams that participated. He acknowledged their dedication and combined efforts in ensuring the smooth execution and success of the prestigious tournament.
He further stated that Pakistan is very proud to have hosted this global event, and their collective contributions made it a truly historic occasion for cricket fans around the globe.
The matches were held across three Pakistani cities – Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi – in addition to India’s matches in Dubai, including the final.
Former Pakistani cricketers Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar criticized the PCB for the absence of any Pakistani representation at the Champions Trophy final presentation ceremony in Dubai.
Despite Pakistan being the host nation, no PCB officials were present at the prize distribution after the final.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented the Champions Trophy to India’s captain Rohit Sharma, while BCCI chief Roger Binny awarded the champions’ blazers. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was also present on stage.
Akram noted that while the PCB Chairman was unwell, other PCB representatives were present, but none were on stage. He questioned why no representative was on stage during the presentation, emphasizing the importance of Pakistani representation as the host nation.
Akhtar echoed these sentiments, expressing his disappointment at the lack of Pakistani representation during the presentation ceremony, despite Pakistan being the host. He highlighted the oddity of the host nation having no one present during such a significant moment.
