Tensions have once again surged between India and Pakistan following the recent Champions Trophy final, where the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was notably absent from the presentation ceremony. The PCB sought clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC), given their status as the official hosts of the tournament. Prominent former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his frustration in a social media video regarding the lack of representation from the PCB during the event.
Originally, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was scheduled to attend the presentation after the final match between India and New Zealand but could not make it due to illness. The PCB was surprised that Sumair Ahmed, the tournament director and chief operating officer, was not called to fill in for Naqvi. India emerged victorious, defeating New Zealand by four wickets, successfully chasing down a target of 251 runs with six balls remaining.
Akhtar’s comments highlighted the unusual situation, stating his disbelief that no PCB member was present on such a significant global stage. His sentiments echoed those of many who felt the absence of a Pakistani representative was a significant oversight.
The ICC clarified the situation in a statement, saying that since Mr Naqvi was not there, and only office bearers were entitled to attend the trophy presentation, there was no one from the PCB available for the occasion. Joining ICC chairman Jay Shah on the podium were representatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and New Zealand Cricket.
Notably, the BCCI had previously declined to play any Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, choosing instead to host all their matches in Dubai, which has led some to see India’s victory as somewhat tainted. Esteemed cricket commentator Johnathan Agnew deemed it a “farce” that the ICC permitted India to avoid playing in Pakistan, further fuelling the controversy surrounding the event.
As these tensions simmer, the dynamics of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan remain fragile, with incidents such as this continuing to stoke the embers of controversy and dissatisfaction among fans and officials alike.