Shoaib Akhtar on PCB’s absence from Champions Trophy presentation ceremony

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his disappointment over the absence of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representatives during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final presentation ceremony in Dubai.

Despite Pakistan being the official host of the tournament, there was no PCB representative on stage when India claimed their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand.

In a video posted on social media, Akhtar expressed his surprise over the absence of a PCB representative during the presentation ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“India has won the ICC Champions Trophy, and there was one odd thing—no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board during the presentation ceremony,” said Shoaib Akhtar.

“Pakistan is the host of the Champions Trophy, but no representative of Pakistan was there to stand on stage or present the trophy. It’s beyond me.”

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While the presentation ceremony saw the presence of ICC Chairman Jay Shah, BCCI President Roger Binny, and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, no one from the PCB was involved, which raised eyebrows, especially given Pakistan’s role as the tournament’s host.

India triumphed in the final, chasing down a target of 252 runs with six wickets and six balls to spare, led by a match-winning half-century from captain Rohit Sharma.

Batting first, New Zealand struggled to post a competitive total, managing just 251 runs, despite Daryl Mitchell’s half-century.

READ: Rohit Sharma opens up on ODI retirement after Champions Trophy 2025 victory