Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar slam PCB's absence from CT presentation ceremony

Following India's triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, speculation has emerged over the absence of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representatives during the prize ceremony.

Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram have raised concerns, questioning why no PCB official was present on stage despite Pakistan hosting the tournament.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, secured their first ICC ODI title in 12 years with a commanding win in the final. However, post-match discussions took a different turn as Akhtar pointed out the absence of PCB officials during the presentation ceremony.

“India have won the Champions Trophy title. But I observed a strange thing—no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board was present. Pakistan are hosting the Champions Trophy. I don’t understand the logic,” Akhtar said.

Akram also expressed similar concerns, stating that while PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was reportedly unwell, other officials, including Sumair Ahmad and Usman Wahla, were present at the venue but did not take part in the ceremony.

“The question now is that we were the hosts, weren’t we? How come even the CEO of the Pakistan Cricket Board or whoever was representing the chairman was not on the stage? Was he not invited? I don’t know what the story is, but it definitely looked odd,” Akram said on Sports Central’s ‘Dressing Room’ show.

While there has been no official statement from the PCB regarding the matter, the speculation has sparked debate over the absence of a host nation’s representation at an ICC event's final ceremony.