Why were Pakistan Cricket Officials Absent in Champions Trophy 2025 Final? ICC Clarifies

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has addressed concerns regarding the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials during the Champions Trophy 2025 final on Sunday (March 9).

An ICC spokesperson clarified that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who was the designated representative of the host board, had been invited but was unable to attend the event.

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

Amid criticism over the lack of Pakistani representation on stage, the ICC reiterated its established protocol, which states that only the head of the host board - such as the chairman, president, vice president, or CEO is invited to take part in the awards ceremony. Even if other board officials are present at the venue, they are not included in the stage proceedings.

As a result, the absence of PCB officials was due to the nonattendance of the designated representative, with the ICC adhering to its usual procedures. However, sources within the PCB suggest that the board intends to raise the matter with the ICC. The PCB is reportedly planning to formally question why its CEO, Sumair Ahmad Syed, who was in Dubai but was not invited.

"It is concerning that Pakistan was not represented at the ceremony despite the presence of a senior PCB official in Dubai," a PCB insider commented.

The lack of Pakistan's representation was hugely criticized by former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar as well. Pakistan were the hosts of Champions Trophy 2025 but the final was played in Dubai as India qualified for it. India ended up winning the tournament after beating New Zealand in the final by 4 wickets.