Why There Was No Pakistan Presence On Podium In Champions Trophy 2025 Final? Here's All You Need To Know

India finally broke their New Zealand hoodoo as they lifted their 3rd ICC Champions Trophy title in Dubai on Sunday. Riding on Rohit Sharma's 58th half-century, the Men In Blue laid their hand on their second ICC title in a span of eight months.

No PCB Official Was Present On Podium During Champions Trophy 2025 Presentations Ceremony

Despite Pakistan being the original host, both BCCI and PCB reached a consensus to conduct the Champions Trophy 2025 in a hybrid model. Except for India's matches, the remaining all matches were held across three venues in Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi.

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However, no representatives from the Pakistan Cricket Board were present on the podium during the presentation ceremony, and it raised a few eyebrows. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi wasn't in Dubai, and it was the tournament director Sumair Ahmed who was present in Dubai during the final game between India and New Zealand.

Despite his presence, he was not allowed on the podium due to protocols. As per the protocols, only elected members or directors of the board are allowed to attend the presentation ceremony. As per Cricbuzz, Andre Russell, tournament director of the Dubai leg, was also present in the Dubai Stadium and even he wasn't called to attend the presentation ceremony.

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Shoaib Akhtar Criticises PCB's Absence In Champions Trophy Final

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also raised this issue on social media. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, he said, “India have won the Champions Trophy, but I noticed something rather strange. There wasn't a single representative from the PCB on the podium, even though Pakistan was the host of the tournament. I can't understand why no one was there to represent the country. It's beyond me to even think about. There should have been someone on this world stage. Unfortunately, I didn't see any PCB members out there.”

India have remained unbeaten in the Champions Trophy 2025 and Rohit Sharma became the only Indian captain to have won two ICC trophies without losing a single match.