PCB’s Absence from Champions Trophy 2025 Final Award Ceremony Sparks Controversy

Shoaib Akhtar shares his reaction
 

Meanwhile, the former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar tweeted his reaction on social media: “India won the Champions Trophy, but there was no PCB representative present among the winners. Pakistan hosted, but then why wasn't anyone there to present the trophy? I can't understand that.” His statement became a prominent topic in Pakistan cricketing community also former skipper Wasim Akram echoed his words by mentioning in the air saying, “We are the hosts so, why was no one from PCB on the podium?”
 

It became known that Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Chairman, missed the very event because of other activities as he holds the post of Pakistan's Federal Minister for Interior. Suffice it to say that Sumair Ahmad Syed, the COO and Tournament Director of PCB, was among the lot at the location and yet he was not among those who have been invited to join the presentation party.

An ICC representative has stated that it is usual for only the top figures such as the chairman of the board or the CEO of the board to appear on the stage, and Naqvi’s departure means that there is no one else to present on his behalf. It is understood from sources that a possible misunderstanding between the PCB and the ICC organizers may have been the cause of the error.
 

PCB is most probably going to ask for an official explanation from the ICC. The event caused much conjecture and criticism. There are some who are of the opinion that this makes a very bad impression of the country as being the host, particularly as India’s matches were held in a neutral venue in Dubai because the Government of India had brought up security concerns. Pakistan’s team was knocked out in the group stage, leading to the narrative of less interaction in the final of the competition. 

Rumors were in the air, Naqvi was quick to express his gratitude to the teams, officials, and law enforcement for a well-coordinated competition, though he did not refer to the event specifically. At the same time, the PCB’s not being present at the award ceremony remains at the center of the discourse, thus overshadowing what was otherwise a very well-deserved conclusion to the 2025 Champions Trophy.