PCB faces another setback as ICC issues reminder over ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ceremony controversy

Update: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unlikely to receive a formal explanation from the ICC about the alleged snub at the Champions Trophy closing ceremony in Dubai. India emerged victorious over New Zealand in the final, claiming their third tournament title with a four-wicket win. The controversy emerged when Sumair Ahmed, the PCB's chief operating officer and tournament director, was reportedly left out of the stage presentation during the final ceremony.

“We have filed a formal complaint with the ICC as what happened is unacceptable to us,” a PCB official said on Tuesday.

However according to ICC sources, the PCB won’t be given any formal explanation. “If the PCB mandarins look up, even ICC CEO Geoff Allardice wasn’t present on stage. The reason is protocol,” said the ICC source.

“Sumair Ahmed is an employee of the PCB and not an office-bearer. Also please check when has a tournament director been on stage for presentation? “We can give an example. ICC’s new head of operations and communications Gaurav Saxena was once Tournament Director for Asia Cup in Dubai. Was he on stage for final presentation,” an ICC source said.

BCCI president Roger Binny awarded white jackets to the Indian players and medals to the match officials, while ICC chairman Jay Shah presented the trophy to captain Rohit Sharma and distributed medals to the victorious team.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose were both on stage. It is important to note that Saikia serves as the BCCI Director on the ICC board, while Binny holds the position of Alternate Director.

“The reasons being given for not having our COO and tournament director on stage for the final presentation make no sense to us. We are waiting for a formal clarification/apology,” the PCB official said.

“We are appalled by this blatant disregard for Pakistan’s role as the host nation,” the official said.

“Giving explanations that ICC only invites CEOs, chairmen, vice-chairmen or secretaries for the ceremony is illogical. We want a full public clarification and an assurance that such biased and unjust treatment will not happen again or we will push this matter to the Board of governors,” he added.