PCB Slams ICC Over Presentation Chaos at Champions Trophy Final
The PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos after a major mishap unfolded during the Champions Trophy 2025 final presentation ceremony in Dubai. The PCB expressed serious concerns over the exclusion of their representatives from the podium, despite being the official tournament hosts.
Sumair Ahmed Criticises ICC’s Mismanagement
PCB Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmed, openly criticised the International Cricket Council for poor event management. In a recent event held in Lahore, he stated that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) slams ICC over presentation chaos not only for the embarrassing podium snub but also for a broader pattern of negligence shown during the tournament.
Sumair revealed that although he attended the final match on the instruction of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, he was not invited on stage during the ceremony.
“It was a result of mismanagement on the part of the ICC, and everyone knows who was involved. We did not take the matter positively,” Sumair said, reinforcing why the PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos as a serious diplomatic slight.
Official Communication Demands Clarification
The PCB confirmed that it had reached out to the ICC seeking an official explanation. However, the response received was unsatisfactory, which led the board to send another formal letter for clarification.
“We asked for an explanation from the ICC, but the response was unsatisfactory, so we have sent another letter seeking clarification,” said Sumair, further explaining why the PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos so strongly in public statements.
The stage at the final was shared by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, BCCI President Roger Binny, ICC Chairman Jay Shah, and New Zealand Cricket’s CEO Roger Twose—making Pakistan’s absence all the more glaring. This only fueled the narrative around why the PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos, calling it a deliberate act of exclusion.
Stadium Flaws Add to Pakistan’s Frustration
Apart from the presentation mishap, Sumair also highlighted infrastructural issues, including a leaking roof at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The problem came to light during the Australia vs Afghanistan match, when heavy rain exposed the flaw in the newly upgraded facility. The PCB has blamed the renovation contractor and is seeking compensation.
While this incident wasn’t directly related to the ICC, it added to the general sense of dissatisfaction surrounding the event, reinforcing the message: PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos and mismanagement of the entire tournament experience.
Financial Fallout and India-Pakistan Tensions
The PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos not just as a protocol failure but as a broader sign of disrespect towards the host nation. Adding to the controversy were reports that Pakistan had incurred massive financial losses from the tournament. These were strongly refuted by PCB officials, who claimed a projected profit of over $10 million.
PCB spokesperson Aamir Mir and CFO Javed Murtaza accused Indian media of orchestrating a misinformation campaign.
“All decisions are made by the ICC. If India has tried to harm Pakistan, then they will also pay the price,” Mir said, reiterating why the PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos and how such decisions can backfire.
He warned that if Pakistan continues to suffer from such biased treatment, they may pull out of future ICC events hosted in India, severely impacting revenues from high-stakes India vs Pakistan matches. This strategic positioning is another reason why the PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos, aiming to hold them accountable at a global level.
ICC Yet to Respond Publicly
As the PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos, the global cricketing body has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement. The silence has only deepened Pakistan’s frustration, prompting speculation about behind-the-scenes politics within the ICC.
Moving forward, this controversy may impact future ICC events, especially concerning venue selections and host nation rights. Until then, the PCB slams ICC over presentation chaos stands as a defining episode of Champions Trophy 2025, underlining tensions both on and off the field.
