ICC defends protocol as PCB demands formal clarification over COO Sumair Ahmed’s absence from the closing ceremony stage.
March 12, 2025: What Happened?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, alleging that its COO Sumair Ahmed was deliberately excluded from the Champions Trophy closing ceremony stage in Dubai.
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🔹 Why is PCB upset?
- Sumair Ahmed, who was also the Tournament Director, was not invited on stage for the presentation ceremony.
- PCB called it “unacceptable” and a “blatant disregard” for Pakistan’s role as host.
🔹 ICC’s Stand:
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- ICC sources confirmed no formal clarification will be provided.
- They emphasized that protocol dictates only CEOs, Chairmen, and Secretaries are invited on stage.
- ICC CEO Geoff Allardice was also absent, which, according to them, aligns with protocol.
🏆 Who Was on Stage for the Presentation?
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✔ BCCI President Roger Binny – Presented winners’ jackets & match officials’ medals.
✔ ICC Chairman Jay Shah – Handed the Champions Trophy to Rohit Sharma & presented medals.
✔ BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia & NZC CEO Roger Twose – Also present.
🚨 ICC Clarification:
- ICC pointed out that past Tournament Directors have never been on stage for final presentations.
- Example: Gaurav Saxena (Tournament Director for Asia Cup) was not on stage either.
🗣 PCB’s Response & Next Steps
💬 PCB Official’s Statement:
- “The explanations given make no sense to us.”
- Demands a public clarification & assurance this won’t happen again.
- Threatened to escalate the matter to the Board of Governors if no apology is issued.
⚖ Key Takeaways
✔ ICC unlikely to offer a formal apology as per protocol.
✔ BCCI’s role in presentation seen as natural, given their presence on ICC’s board.
✔ Pakistan sees this as disrespectful towards its hosting role.
✔ Possible escalation by PCB to ICC’s Board of Governors if issue remains unresolved.
📢 What’s your take? Was it a justified snub or just ICC protocol? 💭 #CricketControversy #ChampionsTrophy2025 #PCBvsICC