PCB blames Jay Shah-led ICC for Champions Trophy presentation snub in first official statement

Pakistan cricket board (PCB) have finally revealed the reason why there was no representation from the host country during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 presentation ceremony. PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad has blamed ICC’s ‘mismanagement’, citing he was the representative from Pakistan board but he wasn’t called up on the stage to distribute the prizes.

“It was a result of mismanagement on part of the ICC and everyone knows who’s involved in it. We did not take the matter in a positive way. We had asked for an explanation from the ICC but the response received wasn’t satisfactory so we’ve sent another letter seeking explanation,” Pakistan based Dawn quoted Ahmed as saying.

“We had asked for an explanation from the ICC but the response received wasn’t satisfactory so we’ve sent another letter seeking explanation.” Ahmed added.

Why was there a controversy?

Notably, ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI President Roger Binny, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose were all present at the Champions Trophy 2025 presentation ceremony. However, there was no representation from the PCB, the host nation for the tournament.

The Champions Trophy was played in a hybrid format with India’s matches being played in Dubai. However, Pakistan retained the hosting rights and revenue from the matches.

“India has won the ICC Champions Trophy. There was one odd thing: no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board during the presentation ceremony. Pakistan is the host of the Champions Trophy, but there was no representative of Pakistan who was standing. No one was there to present the trophy. It is beyond me. Think about it. The tournament was hosted by us, but there was nobody there. Feeling very down to see that.” Former Pakistan cricketere Shoaib Kahtar had said on the non-presence of PCB officials at the Champions Trophy presentation ceremony.