ICC explains PCB's absence from Champions Trophy closing ceremony
What's the story
The absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representatives at the ICC Champions Trophy closing ceremony has sparked a controversy.
Despite being the co-hosts, no PCB officials were present at the ceremony. This led to speculation about the lack of PCB representation.
An ICC spokesperson later clarified that no PCB office-bearers were in attendance in Dubai, and therefore could not participate in the presentation.
Clarification
PCB to address absence with ICC
ICC spokesperson explained that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister, was unavailable.
"Mr. Naqvi was unavailable and didn't travel. As per understanding, only office bearers can be called for trophy presentation, so from PCB no office bearer was available for the same," the ICC spokesperson told India Today.
The PCB is expected to reach out to ICC over this absence and ask why its CEO and tournament director, Sumair Ahmed, wasn't invited on stage.
Absence explained
PCB's prior commitments led to absence
The report further added that PCB CEO and tournament director, Sumair Ahmed, was in Dubai during the ceremony but wasn't invited due to miscommunication.
"PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi didn't go to Dubai because of prior commitments as federal minister for interior but the PCB CEO was sent to represent Pakistan at the final and closing presentation," PTI quoted a source.
The PCB now plans to take this up with ICC, seeking an explanation for their absence.
Glory
India won the CT
India beat New Zealand in the final to win their third Champions Trophy title, the most for a side.
The Rohit Sharma-led Team India won the tournament unbeaten, winning their five games.
Notably, India played all their games in Dubai, instead of Pakistan, due to political issues.
Therefore, the first semi-final and final were reserved for Dubai.