Mon Mar 10 08:37:03 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s Absence From Champions Trophy Final Sparks Outrage
**Dubai, UAE –** The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing intense criticism for its complete absence from the 2025 Champions Trophy final presentation ceremony. While India celebrated their victory over New Zealand, not a single PCB representative was present on the podium to acknowledge the tournament hosted in Pakistan.
This absence has drawn sharp rebuke, particularly from former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who expressed his bewilderment on social media. Akhtar questioned the lack of representation at such a significant international event, highlighting the perceived slight to Pakistan’s role as tournament hosts.
While PCB COO Sumair Ahmed was in Dubai, he was not included in the official presentation alongside ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI officials, and a representative from New Zealand Cricket. The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, was reportedly unable to attend due to prior commitments as Pakistan’s interior minister, attending a joint parliamentary session in Islamabad.
The controversy is further fueled by Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament after losses to New Zealand and India. Some former players fear the lack of PCB representation at the final might be misinterpreted as a deliberate snub, given India’s victory.
Though the ICC reportedly determines the guests for the podium presentation, the situation has sparked debate over protocol and representation. The incident serves as a point of contention, particularly considering the Champions Trophy marked Pakistan’s first home tournament in nearly three decades.
First Piper 