The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing heavy criticism for not having a single representative present at the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, held at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. As India lifted the title with a four-wicket win over New Zealand, the podium was graced by International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny, secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) director Roger Twose, who jointly presented the awards to the players. Although PCB’s chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed, who also served as the tournament director, was present in Dubai, he was not invited to join the ceremony on stage.

According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not travel to Dubai, citing his responsibilities as Pakistan’s interior minister. He had reportedly informed the ICC that he would be attending a joint session of parliament in Islamabad, where President Asif Zardari was scheduled to address the nation.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment on social media, saying Pakistan’s absence from the trophy presentation ceremony was “beyond his understanding.”

“India has won the ICC Champions Trophy today but I noticed something strange. Pakistan were the hosts in the tournament but there were no Pakistan Cricket Board representatives here (at the trophy presentation). This is beyond my understanding. Why was there no one to represent us and give the trophy? Please think about it, it’s a world stage but sadly I could not see any PCB members. Feeling very down to see that,” said Akhtar in a video posted on X.

Some former Pakistani cricketers have voiced concerns that India might interpret the PCB chairman’s absence as a deliberate snub, especially since India not only reached the final but also emerged as champions.

The 2025 Champions Trophy marked Pakistan’s first time hosting a major ICC tournament in 29 years, but the team was knocked out in the group stage following losses to both New Zealand and India.

While the report notes that the ICC determines the dignitaries who take the stage for the presentation ceremony, it remains unclear why PCB’s Sumair Ahmed, despite being present, was excluded from the lineup.