ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB appoints new COO amid India’s refusal to tour Pakistan

On Saturday, November 9, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) after India refused to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has roped in Sumair Ahmad Syed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) following approval by the Board of Governors in its 75th meeting.

Sumair Ahmad Syed Replaces Salman Naseer As PCB COO

Sumair Ahmad Syed has replaced Salman Naseer as the COO of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Naseer has not been totally removed from PCB as he has been given a new role.

Salman Naseer has been appointed as Advisor to the PCB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) department.

Talking about Sumair Ahmad Syed, he brings a plethora of administrative experience with him and he most recently served as the Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Talking about Sumair, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that they are delighted to have him on board and expressed confidence in his abilities to handle things properly. He elaborated:

“Sumair is an outstanding professional with proven administrative skills and deep industry knowledge. We are delighted to welcome him to the PCB family and are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen and improve our administrative structures, moving closer to our goal of becoming a model, high-performing organization.

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It is a profound honour for me to join this dynamic organisation as its Chief Operating Officer - Sumair Ahmad Syed

In an official statement released by the PCB, Sumair Ahmad Syed stated that he has been a lifelong supporter of Pakistan Cricket and aims to make a meaningful contribution to the board. He elaborated:

“As a lifelong follower and supporter of Pakistan cricket, it is a profound honour for me to join this dynamic organisation as its Chief Operating Officer during these exciting and pivotal times. I am deeply grateful to the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for their trust and support. With the collaboration of my colleagues, I am eager to play a meaningful role here at PCB. This organisation holds tremendous potential and cricket serves as a unifying force for the people of Pakistan."

Also, the new PSL CEO, Salman Naseer, expressed his confidence in Sumair's abilities and backed him to take PCB to new heights. He asserted:

“I would also like to thank the Board of Governors for their guidance and look forward to contributing to Sumair’s success at the PCB. With the experience and commitment he brings, I am confident that the PCB will continue to grow stronger and reach new heights.”

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India reject Pakistan visit

The new appointments in the Pakistan Cricket Board have come amid the rejection of the India National Cricket Team to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

According to ESPNCricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian government has not permitted them to send the team to Pakistan.

The Champions Trophy 2025 was scheduled to be played across three venues from February 19 to March 9, but with India's refusal to visit Pakistan, a new venue is likely to host the matches of India outside Pakistan. Reportedly, UAE and Sri Lanka are being considered to host India's matches in the marquee competition.