Tue Mar 11 09:21:10 UTC 2025: ## PCB to Protest ICC’s Snub of CEO at Champions Trophy Closing Ceremony

**Dubai, UAE** – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is formally protesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) after its CEO, Sumair Ahmed Syed, was excluded from the Champions Trophy closing ceremony despite being the tournament director. The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, reportedly found the ICC’s explanation for the omission unsatisfactory.

The ICC claims it had initially planned for Naqvi to attend but adjusted its plans when he was absent from the final match between India and New Zealand, which India won by four wickets. The ICC spokesperson stated that only the head of the host board is typically invited to the awards ceremony.

However, the PCB rejects this explanation, citing several other instances where they believe the ICC mishandled Pakistan’s role as host nation. These include an alteration of the Champions Trophy 2025 logo during a live broadcast and the erroneous playing of the Indian national anthem before the Australia versus England match in Lahore. The ICC attributed the latter incident to a playlist error.

While BCCI president Roger Binny, secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose were present on stage, the PCB’s CEO was noticeably absent. Despite this, PCB chairman Naqvi publicly thanked his team, law enforcement, provincial governments, ICC officials, and visiting teams for the successful tournament. He expressed Pakistan’s pride in hosting the event. The PCB’s formal protest to the ICC is expected to address these perceived slights and alleged organizational failures.

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