Akram, Akhtar express disappointment over PCB's absence at CT final
What's the story
Former Pakistani cricketers Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar expressed their disappointment over the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials on stage at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final presentation. India defeated New Zealand in Dubai to win their first 50-over ICC title in 12 years. Although Pakistan hosted the tournament, no PCB representative was present on stage during the presentation ceremony.
Absence explained
PCB officials absent from significant event
"As far as I know, Chairman Saab (PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi) wasn't well but the people that came from there (PCB) were Sumair Ahmad Syed (Chief Operating Officer of PCB) and Usman Wahla (Director of International for PCB) but no one was there on the stage," said a disappointed Akram on the Dressing Room show after the event. He further questioned why even the COO of PCB or whoever was representing Chairman Saab, wasn't present on stage.
Reaction
Akhtar took to X to express his dismay
Shoaib Akhtar also took to X to express his disappointment. "There was one odd thing: no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board during the presentation ceremony. Pakistan were the host of the Champions Trophy, but there was no representative of Pakistan who was standing. No one was there to present the trophy," he said in the video. He further added that it is beyond him and feels very down to see that.
Twitter Post
Here is Akhtar's post!
This is literally beyond my understanding.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 9, 2025
How can this be done???#championstrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/CPIUgevFj9
PCB's response
PCB furious over ICC's treatment
Despite sending an official for the closing ceremony in Dubai, the PCB was allegedly snubbed by the ICC, which led to furious reactions from Pakistan cricket legends. PTI reports that Sumair Ahmed, CEO of PCB and tournament director, was present at the Dubai International Stadium for the final but wasn't invited to participate in the ceremony. The source suggested it may have been a misunderstanding on ICC's part and added that PCB is expected to raise this issue with ICC.