ICC Ceremony Snub: Pakistan's Discontent Stews

The ICC's exclusion of PCB's CEO from the Champions Trophy closing ceremony has stirred discontent in Pakistan. Despite hosting the event after 29 years, Pakistan had no representation on stage during the medal presentations, resulting in calls for explanations and raising questions from cricket personalities.

Pakistan's cricketing heart was left aggrieved as an oversight at the ICC Champions Trophy closing ceremony raised questions about protocol and respect. Despite the historic significance of Pakistan hosting the tournament after 29 years, PCB's presence was notably absent from the podium.

An involved source revealed that the PCB's CEO, Sumair Ahmed, was not invited to the stage, although he was meant to represent his country in the absence of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Naqvi's absence was due to existing commitments as federal minister for interior.

Pakistan, which played the host yet saw all India games in Dubai due to security concerns, now seeks reasons from the ICC for this oversight. Cricket icon Shoaib Akhtar echoed the sentiments of many, challenging the absence of PCB officials in the post-match celebrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)