The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed frustration with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after its representative was not recognized during the Champions Trophy closing ceremony in Dubai, where India triumphed over New Zealand. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed the ICC of his absence, but COO Sumair Ahmed attended yet was overlooked. Some believe the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) influenced this decision. Amid the dispute, a Pakistani expert noted that Indian players wore jackets with Pakistan’s name, highlighting ongoing tensions. The PCB has formally protested the situation, while an ICC spokesperson claimed Naqvi was invited but did not attend.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been in a dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the absence of their representative at the Champions Trophy closing ceremony held in Dubai on Sunday. India secured victory in the Champions Trophy by defeating New Zealand in the final match, with BCCI president Roger Binny, secretary Devajit Saikia, and ICC chairman Jay Shah in attendance. However, no representative from the PCB was acknowledged during the prize distribution event. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously notified the ICC about his inability to attend, yet the chief operating officer and tournament director, Sumair Ahmed, traveled to Dubai for the final.
Despite this, he was reportedly overlooked by the ICC. As tensions continue between the PCB and ICC, a Pakistani analyst has suggested that the BCCI is responsible for Sumair being ignored during the ceremony. Moreover, he pointed out that the customary white blazers worn by the Indian players will forever bear Pakistan’s name as hosts.
“It was quite shocking. The ICC decides who appears on the podium. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had informed that he would not be present, but I believe he should have gone to Dubai. Sumair Ahmed, the COO, was there, yet the ICC failed to acknowledge him by calling him on stage. Throughout the tournament, India has tried to sideline Pakistan—they didn’t want to wear a jersey featuring Pakistan’s name, nor did they want to visit the country. Ultimately, Pakistan achieved victory. The white jacket they wore will always carry Pakistan’s name,” the panelist stated during a discussion on ARY News.
The anchor provided a humorous remark in response, suggesting that at least India will remember Pakistan as a “tailor”.
“Issi bahane Pakistan ko as darzi zarur yaad rakhenge (On this pretext, India will surely remember Pakistan as a tailor),” the anchor remarked, eliciting laughter from everyone present.
#indvsnzfinal pic.twitter.com/56zkFSkV6C
— (@Aditya4BMR) March 10, 2025
For those unfamiliar, the PCB has filed an official complaint with the ICC regarding the exclusion of their representative.
In response to inquiries from Geo News, an ICC spokesperson stated that Naqvi was invited to the ceremony but chose not to attend.
“The ICC only invites the head of the host board, whether it be the president, vice president, chairman, or CEO, to partake in the awards ceremony. Other board officials present at the venue are not included in the stage proceedings,” the ICC spokesperson informed Geo News.
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