The Champions Trophy 2025 finished at Dubai International Cricket Stadium after 20 intense days where India claimed victory through 15 cricket matches. All tournament celebrations concluded with the suspenseful championship match which showcased both athlete skills alongside determined tactics and strategic plays. All eyes watched the championship finale but everyone overlooked a surprising disagreement that had zero connection to cricket competition and involved absent figures from the victory celebration.
A Missing Presence on the Podium
The Indian cricket team won in front of Dubai lights while spectators recognized an unusual development at the same time. Pakistan which served as the host country for the tournament did not send any PCB representative to join the award ceremony. The lack of Pakistani officials during the award ceremony became a major highlight that generated international cricket interest.
Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar voiced his frustration through a social media video which stated: “India secured the Champions Trophy victory but I detected an unusual detail.” During the prize ceremony of the championship no PCB representative stood at the platform despite Pakistan serving as the tourney host. I remain puzzled because the nation had no representative present at the event. It’s beyond me.”
Where Was the PCB?
Unlike traditional hosts, Pakistan had limited control over the tournament’s physical proceedings due to India’s refusal to play matches within Pakistan’s borders. As a result, the event was split into a hybrid model, with matches taking place both in Pakistan and in Dubai. Given this unique arrangement, one would expect PCB officials to make their presence felt during key moments. However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi chose not to travel to Dubai for the closing ceremony. Instead, the board sent Sumair Ahmed, the tournament director for the Pakistan leg, as their representative.
Yet, even Ahmed did not appear on the podium during the presentation ceremony. According to sources, protocols restricted employees from being present at the award ceremony; only elected board members or directors were permitted on stage. The podium featured ICC Chair Jay Shah, BCCI President Roger Binny, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket Director Roger Twose—all high-ranking officials from other boards. However, not a single Pakistani official stood among them.
Protocol or Power Play?
Interestingly, the tournament had another tournament director, Andre Russell, who was responsible for the Dubai leg of the event. Like Sumair Ahmed, he too was not called to the podium. This suggests that protocol was indeed followed—but was there room for flexibility? In a tournament where Pakistan had fought hard to maintain its hosting rights, a lack of representation at the final ceremony only fueled speculation.
In cricket, as in life, perception often matters just as much as reality. The image of an all-Indian presence on the stage, in a tournament that was officially hosted by Pakistan, was bound to spark discussions. Whether this was an administrative oversight, a matter of strict ICC rules, or an intentional move by higher-ups—remains unknown. What’s certain, however, is that it left a sour note on what should have been a purely celebratory night.
A Grand Finale Overshadowed by Controversy
The Champions Trophy final showcased outstanding cricketing skills which every team demonstrated throughout the tournament even though off-field speculation had become prominent. India strengthened their position as a powerful cricket nation by winning the tournament which crowned their dominance in international competitions.
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Final Thoughts: A Tournament to Remember, A Ceremony to Question
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be remembered for its thrilling matches, unforgettable performances, and India’s triumphant run. Yet, for Pakistan, the tournament leaves behind a lingering question—why wasn’t their presence acknowledged in the tournament’s most defining moment?
Cricket, like any game of strategy, is as much about appearances as it is about execution. And in this case, the PCB’s absence on the biggest stage raises concerns not just about protocol but about representation, recognition, and respect on the global cricketing stage. Whether this was an unfortunate oversight or something more deliberate, only time will tell. But one thing is for sure—this controversy will keep discussions going long after the trophy has been lifted.