Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) COO, Sumair Ahmad Syed, has expressed strong disappointment with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for excluding PCB officials from the closing ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Sumair called this incident “administrative mismanagement” on ICC’s part.
PCB’s absence raises questions
During the presentation ceremony, where the winning and runner-up teams received their medals and awards, ICC Chief Jay Shah and officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were present on stage, but PCB officials were noticeably missing. Sumair, addressing a media conference at Gaddafi Stadium, said, “I was at the final of the ICC Champions Trophy as the chairman couldn’t attend. We asked the ICC for an explanation, but their response was unsatisfactory. Therefore, we have sought further clarity. At this point, I would call it administrative mismanagement on the ICC’s part—and everyone knows who is behind it,” Sumair said.
Even, former cricketers like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar also found it strange that no host nation official was present on stage.
ICC’s explanation
Responding to the criticism, an ICC spokesperson clarified that “Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final. The ICC only invites the head of the host board—such as the president, vice president, chairman, or CEO—to the ceremony. Other board officials, even if present, are not included in stage proceedings.”
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India clinches victory
On the cricket field, India emerged victorious against New Zealand by four wickets. India chased down a target of 252 runs, sealing the win with six balls remaining. Captain Rohit Sharma was important, scoring a match-winning half-century. New Zealand, batting first, set a target with a total of 251 runs, thanks to a determined half-century by Daryl Mitchell. This triumph marked India’s third Champions Trophy title, adding to their victories in 2002 and 2013.
