‘Invites the head of…’: ICC comes back at PCB, Puts an end to ‘No Pakistan official’ controversy during Champions Trophy ceremony

ICC explains absence of PCB official in Champions Trophy presentation ceremony

Champions Trophy 2025 came to an end on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, as India lifted the title for the third time by defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final. However, the tournament was concluded with a controversy as the officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were absent from the closing ceremony.

The preparation for the tournament was filled with tension between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the PCB over the hosting rights. Both the boards reached a conclusion and decided that a hybrid model will be adopted, but then the ending of the tournament was also witnessed a dispute.

During the celebration ceremony of the Champions Trophy 2025, there was no PCB official present at the podium, which sparked a series of debate. However, ICC was quick to address the controversy and explained the reason for PCB officials being absent from the presentation ceremony.

“Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final,” the spokesperson stated.

“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 added.

Even though ICC has provided an explanation, there are reports making rounds that the PCB is not happy with the situation and is thinking to escalate the matter. The CEO Sameer Ahmed Syed was present in Dubai as tournament director, but was not given an invite to the ceremony, to which the PCB is planning to ask questions about.