India Wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | PCB Faces Criticism for No Representative at Final Presentation
India Wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | PCB Faces Criticism for No Representative at Final Presentation
Introduction
In a thrilling final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, clinching the prestigious title. While the entire cricket world celebrated India's victory, a major controversy emerged — the absence of any representative from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) at the trophy presentation. This has sparked widespread criticism and debate in the cricket fraternity.
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India Clinches ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Title
The Champions Trophy final witnessed an intense clash between India and New Zealand, where India successfully chased down the target, securing a memorable win. The podium for the trophy presentation was shared by:
Jay Shah (ICC Chairman)
Roger Binny (BCCI President)
Devajit Saikia (BCCI Secretary)
Roger Twose (New Zealand Cricket Director)
However, no PCB representative was present on the stage, despite Pakistan being the official host of the tournament. This unexpected absence became a hot topic of discussion.
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Why Was No PCB Representative Present at the Final Presentation?
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not attend the final due to his official commitments as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. He informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) about his unavailability as he had to attend a joint parliamentary session in Islamabad, where President Asif Zardari was scheduled to address the nation.
Adding to the controversy, Sumair Ahmed, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PCB and Tournament Director of Champions Trophy 2025, was present in Dubai but was not invited to the podium by the ICC. This decision has triggered major backlash towards PCB and ICC alike.
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Shoaib Akhtar Expresses Disappointment
The absence of any PCB representative did not sit well with many former cricketers and fans. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment on social media. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
> “India won the ICC Champions Trophy today, but I noticed something very strange. Pakistan was the host of this tournament, but there was no PCB representative at the presentation. This is beyond my understanding. It feels very disappointing to witness this.”
Akhtar emphasized how crucial it was for Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to have its presence during the presentation ceremony, as it was a global cricket stage.
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Fans and Former Cricketers React Strongly
The absence of a PCB representative, especially during a tournament hosted by Pakistan after 29 years, has led to severe criticism. Several former cricketers and fans believe that the lack of representation might give India the impression that Pakistan deliberately avoided the ceremony because India emerged as the champion.
Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistan’s early elimination from the group stage after losing to India and New Zealand further intensified the frustration among fans.
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Who Decides Who Stands on the Podium?
As per the tournament's protocols, the ICC decides who stands on the podium during the trophy presentation ceremony. Although Sumair Ahmed (the tournament director) was present in Dubai, he was not called on stage, which has now led to rising questions regarding ICC’s role and PCB’s leadership.
The absence of any PCB official during the final presentation has cast a shadow on Pakistan’s cricket administration, raising concerns about their global representation in such major tournaments.
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Was PCB's Absence Intentional?
While Mohsin Naqvi’s official commitments were valid, many still believe that his absence was a missed opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s representation on such a massive platform. Fans are now speculating whether the PCB deliberately avoided the presentation because India won the title or it was a genuine scheduling conflict.
Nevertheless, the incident has left a negative impression about Pakistan's hosting capabilities, especially after waiting for 29 long years to host an ICC tournament.
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Conclusion
India's victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was remarkable, but the absence of PCB’s representation in the final trophy presentation has raised major eyebrows. Whether it was a miscommunication, official commitment, or deliberate avoidance — the controversy has now become a hot topic in the cricketing world.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) need to address these concerns to avoid similar controversies in future tournaments. Meanwhile, India continues to celebrate their Champions Trophy victory, adding another prestigious title to their cricketing glory.
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