Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar Furious as ICC Ignores Pakistan in Champions Trophy Presentation
PCB is upset after ICC ignored their official during the Champions Trophy presentation ceremony, sparking backlash from former cricketers like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is upset after the International Cricket Council (ICC) ignored their representative during the Champions Trophy 2025 closing ceremony. Pakistan was the official host of the tournament, yet no PCB official was seen on stage during the trophy presentation.
According to reports, Sumair Ahmed, PCB’s chief executive officer and tournament director, was present at the final in Dubai. He was sent as a representative for PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who could not attend due to prior commitments. However, despite being there, Sumair was not invited to the stage.
The trophy presentation was conducted by ICC chairman Jay Shah, along with BCCI president Roger Binny and secretary Devajit Saikia. They handed out medals, trophies, and jackets, but the PCB official was left out.
PCB to Raise the Issue with ICC
A source from PCB stated that this could have been a misunderstanding by the ICC. It is possible that Sumair was unable to communicate properly with the officials handling the ceremony. However, PCB is not happy with what happened and is expected to take up the matter with ICC soon.
The board wants to know why their representative was not included in such an important moment, especially since Pakistan was hosting the tournament after 29 years.
Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar Question the Snub
Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram were surprised by PCB’s absence on stage.
Akhtar, in a video on social media, questioned why no PCB official was present during the ceremony. He found it strange that Pakistan, being the host nation, had no one representing them at the final.
Akram, speaking on the Dressing Room show, also expressed his shock. He confirmed that Sumair Ahmed and another PCB official, Usman Wahla, were present at the stadium but were not called to the stage.
“We were the host, right? So how come no PCB official was there? It looked odd to me. Even if they were not giving out medals, someone from PCB should have been on stage,” Akram said.
The situation has raised concerns about Pakistan’s role in ICC events and has left fans disappointed. Now, PCB will wait for ICC’s response on this matter.
