The 2025 Champions Trophy was hosted by Pakistan, but in a surprising turn of events, not a single official from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was seen in Dubai after India’s triumphant win over New Zealand in the final. This has sparked a wave of criticism from various quarters, including former Pakistani cricketers. Wasim Akram, a legendary fast bowler, has now weighed in on the issue, posing some tough questions that are making headlines.
The Champions Trophy 2025 was held in a hybrid model, with one semifinal taking place in Pakistan and the other, featuring India, being held in Dubai. The final, which India won convincingly, was also played in Dubai. During the awards ceremony that followed, there was a noticeable absence of PCB officials on stage. This has raised eyebrows, with former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar being one of the first to question this move. Now, Akram has added his voice to the growing chorus of criticism, highlighting the embarrassing absence of PCB representatives.
In an interview with the BBC, Akram specifically mentioned PCB Chairman Mohsin Nakvi, saying, “The Chairman was unwell, but that’s no excuse for the absence of a PCB representative on stage. Sumair Ahmed and Usman were sent, but they didn’t show up. As hosts of the Champions Trophy, it was imperative that someone represented the Chairman. Were they not invited on stage?” This statement underscores the confusion and disappointment felt by many in the cricketing community.
Akhtar had also raised similar questions in a video shared on social media, stating, “India won the Champions Trophy, but what caught my attention was the absence of any Pakistani representative on stage. This is the world stage, and you should have been there.” The absence of PCB officials has become a major talking point, with many former Pakistani cricketers taking to social media to express their dismay.
Despite the furor, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the PCB have yet to issue an official response. However, the silence from the PCB has only added fuel to the fire, with many questioning the decision-making process that led to this embarrassing situation. As the dust settles on the Champions Trophy, one thing is clear: the PCB’s no-show has left a sour taste in the mouths of cricket fans and former players alike. The real question on everyone’s mind is, what really happened behind the scenes that led to this shocking absence?