For India, to India, by India: ICC Champions Trophy final presentation ceremony seemed like a BCCI event. India won the Champions Trophy title in Dubai, beating New Zealand by 4 wickets. Even though ICC Chairman Jay Shah handed over the trophy to Rohit Sharma, as he should have, with BCCI President Roger Binny present, there was no representation from the official host, the Pakistan Cricket Board. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar was baffled by the fact.
Ramiz Raja was the only Pakistani present in the final as a commentator. Even Shahid Afridi who was the tournament’s ambassador was not present at the final. Afridi was present during the India vs Pakistan match. This raises the questions: did PCB officials boycott the CT2025 final because Jay Shah did not visit Pakistan or because Pakistan did not get the final hosting rights?
“India have won the Champions Trophy title. But I observed a strange thing no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board was present. Pakistan are hosting the Champions trophy. I don’t understand the logic,” Shoaib Akhtar questioned.
BCCI vs PCB animosity to blame?
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t enjoyed a great relationship with PCB. BCCI refused to send India Cricket Team to Pakistan as the Indian government did not allow that due to cross-border tensions. Even though BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla went to Lahore for the Champions Trophy semifinal, Pakistan have blamed India for missing out on hosting the CT Final.
Dubai played host to all India matches including one semifinal and the grand final. While PCB agreed to the agreement, their absence in the Champions Trophy presentation ceremony raised big questions. It must be noted that ICC President Jay Shah has yet to visit Pakistan for an official event.
“Why did no one come here to represent PCB or to present the trophy? It is beyond me. Think about it, please. This is the world stage. They should have been here. Sadly, I could not see any PCB member even though it was hosted by us,” Shoaib Akhtar said.
India celebrate Champions Trophy title
While there was no Pakistan representation, there was plenty from the Indian team. Despite a ban on family members, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja had their families in the stands. They even had field-side access as they celebrated with Team India after the victory.
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