PCB furious over Pakistan’s exclusion from ICC Champions Trophy closing ceremony

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is furious over the exclusion of its representatives from the closing ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy and plans to seek an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC).  

The final of the ICC Champions Trophy, held in Dubai, was followed by the prize distribution ceremony, where ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny, BCCI Secretary, and New Zealand Cricket Board’s Roger Twose were present. However, in a surprising move, ICC did not invite any representative from the host board, PCB.  

According to sources, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer and Tournament Director Sameer Ahmed Syed was present at the stadium, but ICC did not extend an invitation to him for the stage. PCB officials have decided to formally write to the ICC, demanding an explanation as to why the host board was ignored.  

The ICC was informed in advance that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi would not be attending the final and that Sameer Ahmed Syed would represent Pakistan. Despite this, ICC made the decision on stage invitations without including PCB’s representative.  

Historically, host nations have always been represented on stage during ICC events, but this tradition was unexpectedly broken in Dubai. The move has not only angered PCB officials but also sparked frustration among cricket fans over ICC’s handling of the matter.