PCB Files Complaint with ICC Over Champions Trophy Presentation Incident
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a controversial incident during the Champions Trophy final presentation ceremony held in Dubai on March 9. The absence of a PCB representative on stage during the awards presentation has sparked outrage within the board, who feel their role as the host nation was blatantly disregarded.
According to reports, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmed Syed, attended the final match between India and New Zealand but was not invited to the dais alongside other dignitaries. Although PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unable to attend due to health issues, the board insists that the exclusion of Syed—who serves as both Tournament Director and a designated representative—contravenes the ICC’s own standard operating procedures.
“The ICC’s decision to exclude Mr. Syed violates its own standard operating procedure,” a PCB spokesperson stated. “This is a matter of principle, fairness, and respect for the game’s global stakeholders.” The PCB has demanded a public apology and an assurance that such biased treatment will not happen again.
The ICC has responded, clarifying that only the head of the host board, such as the president, vice-president, or chairman, is invited to participate in the awards ceremony. Other officials, even if present, are not part of the stage proceedings.
Despite this clarification, the PCB views the incident as part of a pattern of “repeated blunders” and “double standards” that undermine the ICC’s credibility. “By sidelining the host nation at its own tournament, the governing body has shown a troubling lack of neutrality and fairness,” the spokesperson added.
The PCB emphasizes that this issue extends beyond a mere presentation ceremony; it embodies the principles of respect, integrity, and fair governance in international cricket. As cricket’s global integrity hangs in the balance, the PCB calls for professionalism and transparency from the ICC.
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