PCB Chairman Naqvi Expresses Pride in Hosting ICC Champions Trophy
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Synopsis
The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed his gratitude for the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy, referring to it as a monumental occasion for cricket lovers across the globe. Despite the challenges, the event marked a significant milestone in Pakistan's cricketing history.
Key Takeaways
- Mohsin Naqvi praised the PCB team and law enforcement for their efforts.
- The tournament was held at three venues in Pakistan and featured India playing in Dubai.
- Former players criticized the PCB's absence at the presentation ceremony.
- Naqvi described the event as a historic moment for cricket fans worldwide.
- The ICC Champions Trophy highlighted Pakistan's cricketing capabilities.
New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, expressed his gratitude on Monday to his team for the triumphant execution of the ICC Champions Trophy in the nation, deeming it a monumental occasion for cricket enthusiasts globally.
The competition concluded on Sunday at Dubai International Stadium, where India triumphed over New Zealand by four wickets in the final. Although officially hosted by Pakistan, India opted to play all their matches in Dubai.
This marked Pakistan's inaugural major ICC tournament since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka.
Naqvi took to X on Monday to express, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated PCB team, the vigilant law enforcement agencies, the supportive provincial governments, the esteemed ICC officials, and the phenomenal cricket teams that traveled to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Your commitment and collective efforts ensured the seamless execution of this prestigious tournament, transforming it into a resounding success.”
He further remarked, “Pakistan takes immense pride in hosting this global spectacle, and your contributions have truly made it a historic event for cricket fans worldwide.”
The tournament unfolded across three venues in Pakistan - Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, while India's matches, including the final, were held in Dubai.
Former Pakistani cricketers Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar criticized the PCB for their absence during the presentation ceremony of the Champions Trophy final in Dubai.
Notably, there was no representation from the PCB or any Pakistani cricket officials during the prize distribution ceremony, even though Pakistan was the host.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah awarded the Champions Trophy to winning captain Rohit Sharma, while BCCI chief Roger Binny presented the champions’ white blazers. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was also present among the dignitaries on stage.
Akram commented on a show after the event, “As far as I know, Chairman Saab (PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi) wasn’t well but the people that came from there (PCB) were Sumair Ahmad Syed (COO of PCB) and Usman Wahla (Director of International Cricket for PCB) but no one was there on the stage.”
He further questioned, “We were the host, weren’t we right? How come even the COO of PCB or whoever it may be who was representing Chairman Saab, why weren’t they on stage? Were they not invited? I don’t know what the story is. It definitely looked odd to me while sitting here. Pakistani, koi na koi stage par khada hona bahot jaruri tha. Chahe wo cup na de, chahe wo medal na de, but somebody should’ve been there (It was imperative that Pakistan should have had representation in any form).”
Akhtar also took to X, stating, “India have won the ICC Champions Trophy. There was one odd thing: no one from the Pakistan Cricket Board (was there) during the presentation ceremony. Pakistan was the host of the Champions Trophy, but no representative of Pakistan was standing. No one was there to present the trophy. It is beyond me. Think about it. The tournament was hosted by us, but there was nobody there. Feeling very down to see that.”
