Amid the fight between PCB and ICC over CT 2025, the global body sends a massive message to Pakistan
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 concluded successfully with India winning the title. The tournament was hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a hybrid model with Rohit Sharma-led side playing all their games at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
It was the first time in 29 years that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hosted an ICC event. There were a lot of questions about successfully staging the tournament, especially with security threats in the country. But the governing body proved everyone wrong and delivered a blockbuster tournament.
The tournament began on 19th February, and the final was played on 9th March at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. It was the Rohit Sharma-led side, who emerged winners as they won the tournament undefeated.
Following the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, PCB expressed their displeasure with ICC. The host nation lodged an official complaint after the global Cricket body didn't allow their official to go on the stage during the Trophy presentation following India's win.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi couldn't go to Dubai for the final due to personal reasons, but it was CEO Sumair Ahmed who went to attend the final. But he wasn't allowed to go on the stage as officials from BCCI, ICC and NZC took centre stage.
The ICC immediately replied to the PCB's complaint and didn't agree to their demands. They mentioned that it was against their protocols, and hence, Sumair Ahmed wasn't asked to go on the stage for the trophy presentation.
We would like to thank and congratulate the Pakistan Cricket Board for successfully hosting the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 - ICC statement
However, amid all the fuss, the ICC also has come up with a thank you message for the PCB. Chief Geoff Allardice released an official statement, highlighting the efforts put in by the PCB. He said:
"We would like to thank and congratulate the Pakistan Cricket Board for successfully hosting the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. As this was the first global multi-team cricket event played in the country since 1996, this event was of huge significance for the PCB, and all those involved in renovating the stadiums, preparing the playing surfaces, delivering the matches and hosting the teams and visitors should be very proud of their efforts."
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