"No officials were available": ICC addresses PCB's absence from Champions Trophy closing ceremony

Even amid the celebrations of the Indian national team following their victory in the ICC Champions Trophy, a hint of controversy emerged at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Fans quickly noticed the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representatives at the trophy presentation, despite Pakistan being the tournament's official host. The event had already been overshadowed by a heated exchange between the PCB and the BCCI, and many took note that all three officials present at the ceremony were from India—former BCCI chairman and current ICC president Jay Shah, BCCI president Roger Binny, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

As speculation grew over the lack of PCB representation, an ICC spokesperson clarified that no PCB office bearer was in Dubai at the time, making it impossible for them to attend the presentation. This included PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s minister of the interior.

"Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and didn’t travel. As per protocol, only office bearers can be invited for the trophy presentation, so no PCB office bearer was present," the ICC spokesperson told India Today.

PCB to Reach Out to ICC Over Representative Absence

Although Pakistan officially hosted the tournament, all of India’s matches were relocated to Dubai due to security concerns surrounding their players and staff traveling to Pakistan. As a result, the final—initially scheduled for Lahore—was also held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

A report from PTI claimed that PCB CEO Faisal Hasnain was in Dubai during the ceremony but was not invited to attend the match or participate in the presentation, despite Pakistan's hosting status. The report further stated that the PCB intends to contact the ICC regarding a possible miscommunication on the matter.

"PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi didn’t travel to Dubai due to prior commitments as the federal interior minister, but the PCB CEO was sent to represent Pakistan at the final and closing ceremony," a source told PTI.

In the end, India’s players donned the iconic white jackets to celebrate their Champions Trophy triumph, with captain Rohit Sharma earning Player of the Match honors for his crucial 76-run knock in a successful chase of 254 against New Zealand.