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PCB Awaits ICC Response Over Champions Trophy Snub
PCB reminds ICC to explain the exclusion of its representative from the Champions Trophy final ceremony. Calls for transparency, fairness, and equal representation. Awaiting ICC’s response.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-19
PCB Awaits ICC Response Over Champions Trophy Snub

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent a formal reminder to the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging a response to its concerns regarding the exclusion of its representative from the post-match ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy final.

The PCB had earlier lodged a protest after its Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sumair Ahmed Syed—who also served as the tournament director—was not included in the presentation ceremony following the final between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Despite being present in an official capacity, Syed was left out of the dignitaries on stage, prompting strong objections from the PCB.

Terming the incident as a “blatant disregard for Pakistan’s role as the host nation,” the PCB formally demanded an explanation and a public apology from the ICC. The board also accused the ICC of violating its own standard operating procedures regarding host nation representation in such ceremonies.

In a recent development, the PCB confirmed that it had sent a follow-up request to the ICC and was awaiting a response.

“Yes, the PCB had sent a reminder to the ICC to explain the reasons behind not including any host member in the four-member panel and we are awaiting the reply from the ICC,” a PCB spokesperson told Dawn on Monday.

The ICC previously defended its decision, citing protocol that only allows board presidents, vice presidents, chairmen, or CEOs to be present on stage during the ceremony. However, the PCB countered that its COO holds a status equivalent to that of a CEO within its organizational structure and should have been included. The board further highlighted inconsistencies in ICC’s application of protocol, noting that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia was included in the panel despite not holding any of the designated roles.

Additionally, the PCB has raised concerns about multiple administrative lapses by the ICC during the tournament. These include the omission of Pakistan’s name from the Champions Trophy’s official logo on the live broadcast and the accidental playing of the Indian national anthem before an Australia-England group match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

“The ICC’s repeated blunders, double standards, and selective governance have cast serious doubts over its credibility,” the PCB had stated earlier. “By sidelining the host nation at its own tournament, the governing body has once again shown a troubling lack of neutrality and fairness.”

The PCB continues to demand professionalism, transparency, and equal representation from the ICC. The board has sought public clarification and assurances that such incidents will not be repeated in the future.

With the issue still unresolved, all eyes are now on the ICC as the PCB awaits its official response to the latest correspondence.
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