The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reiterated its concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the exclusion of its representative from the post-match presentation ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy final. A reminder has been sent to the ICC, with the PCB awaiting a response on the matter.
“Yes, the PCB had sent a reminder to the ICC to explain the reasons behind not including any host member in the four-member panel and we are awaiting the reply from the ICC,” a PCB spokesman told Dawn on Monday.
Earlier, the PCB had formally protested the ICC’s decision to exclude its Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmed Syed, from the ceremony following the final between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Syed, who also served as the tournament director, was present at the venue in an official capacity but was not included among the dignitaries on stage.
Terming the incident a “blatant disregard for Pakistan’s role as the host nation,” the PCB had demanded an explanation and a public apology. The board accused the ICC of violating its own standard operating procedures regarding host nation representation in the closing ceremony.
In response, the ICC cited protocol, stating that only board presidents, vice presidents, chairmen, or CEOs are permitted on stage. However, the PCB countered this claim, arguing that its COO held a status equivalent to a CEO under its organizational structure, which should have warranted Syed’s inclusion. Additionally, the board pointed out inconsistencies in the application of ICC’s protocol, noting that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia was included in the panel despite not holding any of the designated roles.
Beyond the post-match ceremony controversy, the PCB has also raised concerns over what it views as repeated administrative lapses by the ICC throughout the tournament. These include the omission of Pakistan’s name from the Champions Trophy’s official logo on the live feed and the playing of the Indian national anthem ahead of the Australia-England group match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
“The ICC’s repeated blunders, double standards, and selective governance have cast serious doubts over its credibility,” the PCB had stated earlier. “By sidelining the host nation at its own tournament, the governing body has once again shown a troubling lack of neutrality and fairness.”
The PCB continues to demand professionalism, transparency, and equal representation from the ICC. It has called for a public clarification and assurances that similar incidents will not occur in the future. As the issue remains unresolved, the PCB now awaits a formal response from the ICC to its latest correspondence.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
