ICC clarifies absence of PCB officials in Champions Trophy final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials during the closing ceremony of the Champions Trophy 2025 final.

The statement came after a Pakistani TV channel sought a comment from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the issue of the closing ceremony of the Champions Trophy.

An ICC spokesman said that PCB Management Committee Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was actually the designated representative of the host board of the tournament and he was invited to the ceremony but he could not attend.

“Mohsin Naqvi was not available and did not travel to Dubai for the final,” the spokesperson said.

Responding to criticism over Pakistan’s lack of representation at the event, the ICC explained the laid down protocol for its award ceremonies.

“The International Cricket Council only invites the head of the tournament’s host board, such as the president, vice-president, chairman or chief executive, to attend the award ceremony.

Other board officials, whether they are present at the venue or not, do not participate in the prize distribution ceremony on stage.”

The International Cricket Council further emphasized that this protocol has been consistently in force in all its tournaments and it was not specific to the Champions Trophy only.