The ongoing dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the absence of a PCB representative at the Champions Trophy closing ceremony in Dubai has taken a new turn. A Pakistani journalist has accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of being responsible for this oversight. However, his unusual assertion was met with ridicule from a television anchor and social media users, leading to the video's viral spread.

During a segment on ARY News following India's four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Stadium, the journalist, who was part of a panel that included seasoned cricketers Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal, claimed that the BCCI was to blame for the ICC's failure to acknowledge Sumair Ahmed, a PCB official and the tournament director for the 2025 Champions Trophy, during the trophy presentation.

The journalist criticized the Indian board for allegedly sidelining Pakistan throughout the tournament, asserting that despite India's triumph, Pakistan emerged victorious in spirit. When pressed for clarification, he argued that the traditional white blazer awarded to the Indian players would forever bear the name of 'Pakistan' as the host nation.

"It was quite surprising. The ICC determines who appears on the podium. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had indicated he would not attend, but I believe he should have gone to Dubai. Sumair Ahmed, the COO, was present, yet the ICC did not acknowledge him by inviting him to the stage. Throughout the tournament, India has made efforts to marginalize Pakistan—they refused to wear a jersey featuring Pakistan's name and were reluctant to travel to Pakistan. Ultimately, however, Pakistan won. The white jacket they donned, inscribed with Pakistan's name, will always be remembered," he stated.

The anchor responded to this claim with sharp humor, remarking, "On this pretext, India will surely remember Pakistan as a tailor." This comment elicited laughter from the audience.

Social media users also criticized the journalist, contributing to the clip's widespread circulation online.

What happened between ICC and PCB?

In the absence of Naqvi, Sumair was dispatched to Dubai to represent the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB); however, he was overlooked by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the closing ceremony. This oversight incited considerable anger within the PCB, prompting them to lodge a formal complaint with the ICC. Nevertheless, it is improbable that the governing body will provide a formal response to the Pakistani board.

An ICC source informed PTI, "If the PCB officials were to observe closely, they would note that even ICC CEO Geoff Allardice was not present on stage. This is due to established protocol. Sumair Ahmed is an employee of the PCB, not an office-bearer. Furthermore, it is worth considering when a tournament director has ever been on stage for a presentation. For instance, Gaurav Saxena, the ICC's new head of operations and communications, served as Tournament Director for the Asia Cup in Dubai. Did he appear on stage for the final presentation?"

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