Pakistan Left Fuming Over Champions Trophy Final Presentation Snub: ‘I Just Don’t Understand It’

Recent tensions between India and Pakistan have once again been reignited following the Champions Trophy final presentation, which occurred without any representation from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The PCB is seeking clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over this issue, especially considering Pakistan was the official host of the 50-over tournament.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar voiced his concerns in a video shared on social media.

Reports suggest that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was scheduled to attend the presentation after the final match between India and New Zealand but could not make it due to illness that prevented him from travelling to Dubai, where the final was held.

Furthermore, the PCB has expressed confusion over why tournament director Sumair Ahmed, who also serves as the PCB’s chief operating officer, wasn’t present to represent the board in Naqvi’s absence.

In the final match, India triumphed over New Zealand by four wickets, successfully chasing the Black Caps’ total of 251 with just six balls remaining.

Shoaib Akhtar remarked, “India has clinched the Champions Trophy, but I noticed something quite odd. There wasn’t a single PCB representative on the podium, despite Pakistan being the tournament host.”

He further expressed his disbelief, stating, “I cannot comprehend why there was no one present to represent the country. It’s baffling. There should have been someone on this global stage. Unfortunately, I observed no PCB members on that stage.”

The ICC later addressed the issue, explaining the lack of PCB representation in a statement to India Today. They clarified, “Mr Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel. Based on our understanding, only office bearers were invited for the trophy presentation, and no office bearers from PCB were available for this.”

Jay Shah, the chairman of the ICC from India, participated in the presentation, alongside two representatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and one from New Zealand Cricket.

Moreover, the BCCI declined to send its team to Pakistan for any Champions Trophy fixtures.

As a result, the Indian team, captained by Rohit Sharma, contested all matches in Dubai, capital of the United Arab Emirates.

This has led to many regarding India’s Champions Trophy triumph with an asterisk. Prominent English cricket commentator Johnathan Agnew labelled the situation a “farce,” noting it was unacceptable for the ICC to permit India to avoid playing in Pakistan.