PCB faces backlash for no representation at Champions Trophy final

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing criticism for not having a single representative at the presentation ceremony of the 2025 Champions Trophy, held at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

India won the tournament after defeating New Zealand by four wickets. During the trophy presentation, only 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 were present to hand out awards.

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar spoke out about the matter on social media.

"India has won the ICC Champions Trophy today, but I noticed something strange. Pakistan were the hosts, yet there were no Pakistan Cricket Board representatives at the trophy presentation. This is beyond my understanding. Why was there no one to represent us and give us 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.

Conflicting reports, however, claimed that PCB's Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed was present at the stadium but not invited for presentation ceremony by the ICC.

This Champions Trophy was Pakistan's first ICC event at home in 29 years, but the national team had a disappointing campaign, getting eliminated in the group stage after losses to New Zealand and India.