Pakistan Criticized for Poor Showing and Snub at Champions Trophy Ceremony
The absence of a Pakistani representative at the prize distribution ceremony has sparked debate, with ICC citing protocol and critics pointing to Pakistan's disappointing performance.
- Pakistan, the host and defending champion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, failed to progress beyond the group stage after poor performances against New Zealand and India.
- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal protest with the ICC after no Pakistani representative was present on stage during the closing ceremony in Dubai.
- The ICC stated that protocol dictates only specific officials, such as board presidents or chairpersons, are invited to the stage, and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was absent due to illness.
- Former cricketers Kamran Akmal and Basit Ali criticized Pakistan's cricketing standards and leadership, with Akmal stating the team did not deserve representation due to its poor performance.
- The controversy has fueled further criticism of the PCB, with some commentators mocking attempts to find silver linings in the situation, such as Pakistan's name being stitched on the ceremonial blazer.
Hindustan Times 
Free Press Journal 
