Ex-Players Question PCB’s Absence from Presentation as India Lifts the Trophy in Dubai
March 13, 2025: The Champions Trophy 2025 final has sparked yet another controversy for Pakistan cricket, this time regarding the absence of PCB representation during the trophy presentation ceremony. The tournament, originally hosted by Pakistan, saw its final being moved to Dubai since India had qualified, following a pre-tournament agreement between cricket boards.
Also Read: PCB Slashes National T20 Cup Match Fees by 75% Despite Promises to Invest in Cricket
Mohsin Naqvi’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
According to reports, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unwell, which led to his absence from the final ceremony. However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali questioned this claim, pointing out that Naqvi owns a private jet and could have easily attended the final and returned the same night.
💬 “Mohsin Naqvi should have gone to Dubai. He owns an airplane. As the host of the Champions Trophy, he could have traveled and returned the same night. Only he knows the problem, but he should have been there,” said Basit Ali on his YouTube channel.
Pakistan’s Absence on Stage Sparks Debate
Former cricketers and analysts have also criticized the lack of PCB officials on stage during the prize distribution. Notably, Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, and BCCI’s top officials were present, while Pakistan had no representation.
Also Read: ICC Thanks PCB for Hosting Champions Trophy, Calls It a Historic Success
💬 “Jay Shah was there, but he should have been seated elsewhere. He is not just the BCCI secretary now; he is the ICC head. However, the bigger issue was that no one from Pakistan was there for the prize distribution because the PCB chairman was missing,” Basit Ali added.
ICC Unlikely to Provide Explanation to PCB
The absence of PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed, who was also the tournament director, further fueled tensions, with PCB filing a formal complaint to the ICC. However, sources suggest that the ICC will not offer any formal explanation, stating that protocols were followed and even ICC CEO Geoff Allardice was not present on stage.
💬 “If PCB officials look up, even ICC CEO Geoff Allardice wasn’t present on stage. The reason is protocol,” an ICC source clarified.
India’s Dominance at the Presentation Ceremony
During the final ceremony:
✅ BCCI President Roger Binny presented the white jackets to Indian players.
✅ ICC Chairman Jay Shah handed over the trophy to Rohit Sharma and distributed winners’ medals.
✅ BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose were also present.
The lack of PCB representation at the Champions Trophy final has further fueled concerns over Pakistan’s declining influence in global cricket, with many calling for stronger leadership within the board.
Tags:
Pakistan Cricket, Mohsin Naqvi, Champions Trophy 2025, PCB, Jay Shah, ICC, BCCI, Rohit Sharma, India vs Pakistan, cricket controversy, Basit Ali, ICC protocols, cricket news