Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the absence of PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the presentation ceremony of the Champions Trophy final. The ceremony was attended by ICC chairman Jay Shah, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, president Roger Binny, and New Zealand Cricket's CEO Roger Twose. This Champions Trophy marked the first ICC event hosted in Pakistan in 29 years; however, India did not participate due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries. The ICC implemented a hybrid model, allowing the Indian team to play all their matches in Dubai. Despite being the host nation, the PCB had no representative on the podium during the final.

Sumair Ahmed, the PCB's chief operating officer and tournament director for the Champions Trophy, was present at the final match between India and New Zealand but was not invited to the stage for the presentation.

Basit suggested that PCB chairman Naqvi should have made the trip to Dubai, noting that he owns a private plane and could have returned the same evening after attending the event. "Mohsin Naqvi, as the PCB chairman, should have traveled to Dubai. This is my perspective. He has his own airplane, and as the host of the Champions Trophy, he could have gone and returned the same night. Only he knows what issues prevented him from attending, but he should have made the effort," he stated on his YouTube channel 'Basit Ali'.

The PCB is currently awaiting a formal explanation from the ICC regarding the absence of their representative on the podium, although it is unlikely that the cricket governing body will provide any clarification on the matter.

‘ICC chief should have been seated elsewhere’

Basit also criticized ICC chairman Jay Shah for sitting alongside BCCI officials, suggesting that he should have been seated elsewhere and expressing concern over his comments about being cautious with the media.

Jay Shah was present at the event. However, he made a minor error regarding his current position; he is no longer the secretary of the BCCI but serves as the head of the ICC. It would have been more appropriate for him to be seated in a different location. Individuals in such prominent roles must exercise caution with respect to media scrutiny. Additionally, there was an absence of representatives from Pakistan during the prize distribution, as the chairman of the PCB was not in attendance, he noted.

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