ICC explains PCB’s no-show at Champions Trophy finale
India’s Champions Trophy victory came with controversy as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials were absent from the trophy ceremony. Fans at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium noticed only Indian representatives—ICC President Jay Shah, BCCI President Roger Binny, and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia—on stage.
With questions mounting, an ICC spokesperson clarified that no PCB office-bearer was in Dubai. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, did not travel. “Mr. Naqvi was unavailable. Only office-bearers can attend the trophy presentation, and none were present from PCB,” the spokesperson told India Today.
Pakistan hosted the tournament, but all India’s matches, including the final, took place in Dubai due to security concerns. Originally scheduled for Lahore, the final shifted to Dubai, keeping Indian players from traveling to Pakistan.
A PTI report revealed that PCB CEO Faisal Hasnain was in Dubai but was not invited to the ceremony. PCB now plans to contact ICC over the miscommunication. “Naqvi had prior commitments, but the PCB CEO was sent to represent Pakistan,” a source told PTI.
Meanwhile, India celebrated their victory, donning the iconic white jackets. Captain Rohit Sharma earned Player of the Match for his 76-run knock, leading India’s successful chase of 254 against New Zealand.
