Champions Trophy 2025 / ICC broke its silence on the uproar over CT's closing ceremony

Champions Trophy 2025: India won the Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final on March 9. With this win, Team India captured this prestigious trophy after 12 years. On this historic occasion, BCCI President Roger Binny presented white coats to the Indian players and medals to the match officials. At the same time, ICC President Jay Shah handed over the winning trophy to captain Rohit Sharma. But during this a controversy also arose, when no official representative from Pakistan was present on the stage.

Start of controversy

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar raised this issue and shared a video on Twitter. He raised the question that when Pakistan was the host of this tournament, why no representative of PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) was on the stage after the final. It was an unusual situation, which gave rise to many discussions.

ICC's official statement

Now an official statement has been issued by the spokesperson of ICC (International Cricket Council) in this matter. Talking to India Today, an ICC spokesperson clarified that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was not available in Dubai, so he could not attend the trophy presentation ceremony. As per the rules, only officials are called for the trophy presentation. Due to this, no high-ranking official from PCB was present on the stage. However, Pakistan being the host, it was necessary for some official to be present there.

PCB CEO was present at the ceremony

According to a PTI report, PCB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sumair Ahmed was present at the ground after the final, but he was not invited to the award ceremony. He was also the director of this tournament. PTI learned from sources that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi could not go to Dubai due to his engagements as Home Minister. However, the PCB CEO was sent to represent Pakistan in the final and award ceremony, but due to some reason or misunderstanding, he was not called on the stage. This was the reason that only BCCI and ICC officials were seen during the trophy and medal distribution.

India played all the matches in Dubai

It is worth noting that Pakistan was the host of the Champions Trophy 2025, but India played all its matches in Dubai due to security reasons. The India-Pakistan match was also held in Dubai, and the final match was also held there. This decision was already taken by the ICC and the concerned boards, to ensure that the tournament is completed without any hindrance.

Conclusion

This spectacular victory of India not only gave cricket lovers a chance to celebrate, but the controversies related to it also made headlines. There has been a debate in Pakistan regarding the absence of PCB representatives and their not being invited on the stage. Although the ICC has clarified its position, the impact of this controversy will still be seen in the coming days.