ICC defends protocol after criticism over lack of Pakistani representation at CT final

(Web Desk): Amid criticism regarding the lack of Pakistani representation during the final closing ceremony of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials.

An ICC spokesperson stated that PCB Management Committee Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, was actually the nominated representative of the host board for the tournament and was invited to the ceremony, but he could not attend.

The spokesperson said, "Mohsin Naqvi was unavailable and did not travel to Dubai for the final."

In response to criticism about the lack of Pakistani representation at the event, the ICC clarified its established protocol for award ceremonies.

The ICC spokesperson explained, "The International Cricket Council only invites heads of the host board, such as the president, vice president, chairman, or chief executive, to attend the award ceremony. Other board officials, whether present at the venue or not, do not participate in the award ceremony on stage."

The International Cricket Council further emphasized that this protocol has been consistently applied across all of its tournaments and is not specific to the Champions Trophy.

It is noteworthy that the Champions Trophy final was held in Dubai as India's matches were moved from Pakistan due to the Indian government's refusal to send their team to Pakistan.

Although most of the tournament's matches were played in Pakistan, questions have been raised about the absence of the host country during the Champions Trophy final ceremony in Dubai.