Shoaib Akhtar questions lack of Pakistan representation at Champions Trophy presentation ceremony

Shoaib Akhtar questions lack of Pakistan representation at Champions Trophy presentation ceremony, sparking controversy and confusion.

In a video message posted by former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in his “X” account, he questioned the lack of Pakistan representation at Champions Trophy presentation ceremony on March 9, 2025

Shoaib Akhtar said why Pakistan representation was not there in the presentation ceremony while Pakistan hosted the Champions Trophy

The ICC's failure to invite a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official on stage for the closing ceremony of the Champions Trophy has not gone down well also with the tournament host.

Pakistan hosted an ICC event after 29 years with all India games scheduled in Dubai as part of the competition's hybrid model.

"India has won the Champions Trophy but I noticed there was no representative from the PCB after the final. Pakistan was hosting the Champions Trophy. I do not understand it," Akhtar said in a video posted on social 'X'.

"Why was nobody (from PCB) there to present the trophy? It is beyond me. It is something to think about. This is the world stage, you should have been here. Feeling very down to see that," Akhtar added.

A source said that the PCB's chief executive officer Sumair Ahmed, who was also the director of the tournament, was present at the venue but was not invited for the ceremony.