PCB representative invited but did not attend Champions Trophy final: ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has addressed concerns over the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials during the Champions Trophy 2025 final ceremony in Dubai.

Responding to queries from Geo News, an ICC spokesperson stated that Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Management Committee Chairman and designated representative of the host board, was invited but did not attend the event.

“Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final,” the spokesperson confirmed.

Addressing criticism regarding the lack of Pakistani representation on stage, the ICC reiterated that its award ceremony protocols remain consistent across all tournaments.

“The ICC only invites the head of the host board—such as the president, vice president, chairman, or CEO—to take part in the awards ceremony. Other board officials, regardless of their presence at the venue, are not included in the stage proceedings,” the spokesperson explained.

The governing body emphasized that this protocol has been followed in previous ICC tournaments and was not specific to the Champions Trophy.

The absence of a PCB representative on stage resulted solely from Naqvi’s non-attendance, the ICC clarified.

The Champions Trophy final was held in Dubai after India’s matches were relocated from Pakistan due to the Indian government’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan. While the majority of the tournament took place in Pakistan, the final’s venue raised questions about the host nation’s presence during key moments of the event.