The cricket world was left bewildered when not a single Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official was spotted on stage during the ICC Champions Trophy presentation ceremony. The absence of PCB representatives sparked outrage in Pakistan, with legendary cricketer Wasim Akram openly expressing his frustration during a live show.
No PCB Official at the Ceremony: A Shocking Sight
The Champions Trophy final saw India claim victory over Australia, with ICC chairman Jay Shah overseeing the medal and trophy distribution. However, despite Pakistan being the official host of the tournament, no PCB officials were present on stage. This glaring omission raised eyebrows, leading to widespread criticism and debate in the cricketing community.
Akram, a respected voice in Pakistani cricket, did not hold back his disappointment. Speaking on the ‘Dressing Room’ show after the final in Dubai, he pointed out that PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed was at the venue as the board’s representative in place of chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Yet, he was nowhere to be seen when the trophies and medals were handed out.
Akram’s Outburst: “Flabbergasted!”
Akram was visibly frustrated as he addressed the issue live on air. The former Pakistan captain, known for his candid opinions, admitted he was stunned by the entire situation.
- “As far as I know, Chairman Saab (Mohsin Naqvi) wasn’t well, but why was Sumair Ahmed Syed not there?” Akram questioned.
- “It’s embarrassing! Pakistan was the host, and there was no PCB representation at the podium!”
- “I’ve never seen something like this happen before. It makes no sense!”
His words resonated with many in Pakistan, as fans and experts alike took to social media to vent their frustration.
A Growing Pattern of Controversy
This is not the first time PCB has come under scrutiny for its management decisions. Over the past year, several administrative lapses have put the board in a negative light. Critics argue that this latest incident only adds to Pakistan’s ongoing cricketing woes.
Here’s a quick look at past PCB controversies:
| Year | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Delayed squad announcement for the World Cup | Heavy backlash from fans |
| 2024 | Abrupt change in coaching staff | Team performance dipped |
| 2025 | No-show at Champions Trophy presentation | Public outrage |
Many believe PCB’s internal issues and lack of coordination are affecting the country’s cricketing reputation on the global stage.
What Happens Next?
With the backlash gaining momentum, PCB may be forced to address the situation publicly. Questions remain over why Sumair Ahmed Syed did not step forward at the ceremony. Was it an oversight? A deliberate decision? Or something else entirely?
One thing is certain: the fallout from this incident isn’t dying down anytime soon. Akram’s frustration mirrors the sentiments of millions of Pakistani cricket fans, and they will be expecting answers from PCB leadership in the coming days.
