Mohsin Naqvi, PCB officials boycotted Champions Trophy final presentation ceremony? Truth revealed

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing criticism over the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials from the Champions Trophy 2025 presentation ceremony. No PCB official was seen during the trophy presentation in Dubai on Sunday, March 9, despite Pakistan being the host nation.

Pakistan was the official host nation for the event, but India played all their matches, including the final, in Dubai. India won the title with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand. Notably, the final was scheduled to be held in Lahore, but the match was played in Dubai since India reached the final.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Not Present at Final Presentation Ceremony

According to a Geo News report, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was expected to attend but could not travel to Dubai due to health reasons.

However, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Tournament Director Sumair Ahmed Syed was present at the final in Dubai, but the ICC did not include him in the presentation ceremony. This decision has been viewed by many as a deliberate snub.

“The chairman couldn’t travel, but COO Sumair Ahmed Syed was there and attended the final. He should have been on stage to represent the PCB,” a source close to the matter said.

Meanwhile, an ICC spokesperson told India Today that only PCB office bearers could attend the post-match ceremony and no one was present in Dubai.

"Mr Naqvi was unavailable and didn’t travel. As per understanding, only office bearers can be called for trophy presentation, so from PCB no office bearer was available for the same. And they (PCB) were the hosts, they should have been there," said the ICC spokesperson.

Former Australian Captain Aaron Finch Brings the Trophy onto the Stage

ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented the Champions Trophy to winning captain Rohit Sharma, while BCCI President Roger Binny handed over the white blazers to the Indian team. Other dignitaries on stage included former Australia captain Aaron Finch, former New Zealand player Roger Twose and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.

Aaron Finch brought the trophy onto the stage instead of Sarfaraz Ahmed, the Pakistan captain who won the previous edition of the Champions Trophy.

The report added that the ICC had full authority in deciding the composition of the presentation party for the Champions Trophy final. However, the governing body has not yet issued any official statement regarding the controversy.

"According to the sources, it was the ICC that had full authority to decide the composition of the presentation party. They’ve yet to issue any statement on the matter," the report added.

Pakistan Failed to Win a Single Match at the 2025 Champions Trophy

Pakistan had a disastrous campaign in the 2025 Champions Trophy. They failed to win a single match and suffered a group-stage exit, despite being the host nation and defending champions.

They began their campaign in the tournament with a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi. The Mohammad Rizwan-led team lost to India by six wickets in Dubai. Their final Group A match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was washed out due to rain.

This tournament was the first major ICC event in Pakistan after 29 years. However, the team played only one match at home, making their early exit even more disappointing for fans.

Also read: Watch: Matt Henry left in tears after failing fitness test ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 final