Addressing criticism about the absence of Pakistani officials, the ICC clarified its usual rules for award ceremonies
10 March, 2025
PHOTO: FILE
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has expressed surprise over the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials from the Champions Trophy 2025 presentation ceremony in Dubai.
The final took place on Sunday, where India defeated New Zealand to win their third Champions Trophy title.
In an interview, Akram said it felt “odd” that no one from the host nation was present on stage during the ceremony.
“From what I have learned, the chairman wasn’t well, but the PCB officials present at the final were Sumair Ahmad and Usman Wahla. These two were there, yet neither of them appeared on stage,” Akram said.
He further questioned why Pakistan had no representation at such an important moment.
“The question now is, weren’t we the hosts? How is it possible that even the COO of the Pakistan Cricket Board or any official representing the chairman was not on stage? Was he not invited? I don’t know the full story, but it definitely looked odd to me while watching. It was crucial to have a Pakistani representative on stage. Even if they didn’t present the cup or medals, someone should have been there,” he added.
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has responded to the concerns.
An ICC spokesperson explained that Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Management Committee Chairman and the official representative of the host board, was invited to the ceremony but did not attend.
“Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Addressing criticism about the absence of Pakistani officials, the ICC clarified its usual rules for award ceremonies.
“The ICC only invites the head of the host board—such as the president, vice president, chairman, or CEO—to participate in the awards ceremony. Other board officials, even if present at the venue, are not part of the stage proceedings,” the spokesperson said.
The ICC emphasized that this rule is followed in all its tournaments, not just the Champions Trophy.
