The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting a formal explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the absence of their representative at the closing ceremony of the Champions Trophy in Dubai. India defeated New Zealand in the final match on Sunday, securing their third tournament victory.
A PCB official stated on Tuesday, “We have officially complained to the ICC because we find what transpired unacceptable.” The controversy arose when Sumair Ahmed, PCB’s chief operating officer and the Champions Trophy tournament director, was not invited to the stage for the final presentation.
Roger Binny, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), presented jackets to Indian players and medals to match officials. ICC chairman Jay Shah awarded the trophy to Indian captain Rohit Sharma and medals to the winning team.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose were also present on stage.
The PCB official questioned the given reasons for excluding their COO and tournament director from the final presentation, stating they “make no sense.” They are expecting a formal clarification or apology.
“We are deeply disappointed by this clear disregard for Pakistan’s role as the host nation,” the official added.
He mentioned that the PCB had previously informed the ICC about Sumair Ahmed’s attendance in Dubai for the ceremony. Ahmed also met and congratulated Jay Shah and some BCCI officials after India’s victory.
The official dismissed explanations that the ICC only invites CEOs, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, or secretaries to the ceremony as “illogical.”
“We demand a complete public explanation and assurance that such biased and unfair treatment will not occur again. If not, we will escalate this issue to the board of governors,” he concluded.
