India won the Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating New Zealand in the final. However, after India’s victory, a big controversy started in Pakistan. Many former cricketers, including Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar, have criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their absence during the award ceremony in Dubai.

Why Is There a Controversy in Pakistan?

The Champions Trophy 2025 was hosted by Pakistan, but the tournament was played in a hybrid model. Some matches were held in Pakistan, while others, including India’s semi-final and final, were played in Dubai.

After India’s victory, the award ceremony took place, but no PCB official was present on stage. This raised many questions in Pakistan’s cricket community.

What Did Wasim Akram Say?

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram expressed his disappointment over PCB’s absence at the final ceremony. According to a BBC report, Akram questioned why PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi or any representative was not present.

🗣️ Wasim Akram said:
“Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was not feeling well, but PCB should have sent someone to represent him. Sumair Ahmed and Usman were there, but they were not seen on stage. Since Pakistan was the host, at least one official should have been there. Were they not invited on stage?”

Shoaib Akhtar Also Raised Questions

Another former cricketer, Shoaib Akhtar, also criticized PCB. He posted a video on X (Twitter) questioning their absence.

🗣️ Shoaib Akhtar said:
“India won the Champions Trophy, but I noticed something strange. Pakistan was the official host, yet no PCB representative was present at the award ceremony. This was a world-stage event. PCB officials should have been there.”

What Has PCB or ICC Said?

So far, PCB and ICC have not given any official statement regarding this issue. However, former Pakistani cricketers have expressed their frustration on social media.

The controversy continues because Pakistan was the official host, but its cricket officials were missing from the biggest moment of the tournament.