PCB Awaits ICC Response Over Exclusion from Champions Trophy Ceremony

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a reminder to the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking a formal explanation regarding the exclusion of its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Sumair Ahmed Syed, from the post-match presentation ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy final. The final, which was held between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, concluded without any Pakistani representative present on stage, despite Pakistan being the tournament’s host nation.

Earlier, the PCB filed an official protest condemning the ICC for not including Syed, who also served as the tournament director, in the closing ceremony. The board labeled this omission a “blatant disregard for Pakistan’s role” and accused the ICC of violating its own standard procedures for representation in such high-profile events.

Confirming the follow-up, a PCB spokesperson told Dawn that a reminder had been sent to the ICC and a response was still awaited. “Yes, we have reminded the ICC to explain why no host nation official was included in the four-member panel, and we expect a reply soon,” the spokesman stated.

The ICC defended its decision, arguing that only board presidents, vice presidents, chairpersons, or CEOs are permitted on stage. However, the PCB maintained that within its structure, the COO holds a rank equivalent to a CEO, which should have qualified Syed for inclusion. The board also pointed out inconsistency in the ICC’s enforcement of protocol, citing the presence of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia on stage, who also does not hold any of the roles specified by the ICC.

This incident is just one among several that the PCB believes demonstrate administrative negligence by the ICC throughout the tournament. The board also highlighted two major blunders: Pakistan’s name being omitted from the Champions Trophy’s official logo in the live broadcast and the accidental playing of the Indian national anthem before the Australia-England group stage match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Criticizing what it termed “double standards” and “selective governance,” the PCB questioned the ICC’s impartiality and professionalism. “These repeated oversights have raised serious doubts about the ICC’s credibility,” the board said in an earlier statement. “By marginalizing the host country during its own tournament, the ICC has shown a disturbing lack of neutrality.”

The PCB has demanded a public clarification from the ICC, along with a formal apology and assurance that such issues will not occur in future events. It has emphasized the importance of transparency, fairness, and respect for all participating nations, especially those serving as hosts.