Champions Trophy 2025: PCB to Protest Against ICC for Excluding Representative from Closing Ceremony

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is prepared to lodge its protest with the ICC for overlooking its CEO and Champions Trophy tournament director Sumair Ahmed Syed during the event's closing ceremony in Dubai. A source in the PCB stated on Monday (March 10, 2025) that chairman Mohsin Naqvi was displeased with the justification provided by the ICC for excluding Ahmed from the stage at the presentation ceremony on Sunday (March 9, 2025).

"The ICC, apparently, has said it had prepared for Mohsin Naqvi to be on stage so when he didn't show up for the final, they changed their plan," the source said.

National Anthem Confusion Sparks Debate During Champions Trophy 2025

India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the final match. The PCB has refused to accept this reason and pointed out that the ICC had made several mistakes during the tournament about Pakistan's role as the host nation. This included changing the CT2025 logo in the live broadcast of the India versus Bangladesh game and then playing the Indian national anthem during the Australia versus England match in Lahore.

The ICC stated that due to a mistake with the playlist, the Indian national anthem was played for a few seconds before the error was fixed. BCCI president Roger Binny gave the white jackets to Indian players and the medals to match officials, while ICC chairman Jay Shah handed the trophy to captain Rohit Sharma and distributed the winners' medals. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and New Zealand Cricket’s CEO Roger Twose were also on stage.

Meanwhile, the PCB chairman has expressed his appreciation to his team, law enforcement agencies, provincial governments, ICC officials, and the visiting teams for the tournament's success.

"Your dedication and joint efforts ensured the smooth organization of this prestigious event. Pakistan is extremely proud to host the Champions Trophy and make it a grand event for cricket fans across the world." he said on his social media account.