PCB chairman hails Champions Trophy 2025 as historic event
What's the story
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hailed the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as a "historic event for cricket fans worldwide."
The tournament concluded with India defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at Dubai International Stadium.
Although Pakistan was the official host, all Indian matches were played in Dubai due to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan.
Gratitude expressed
PCB chairman thanks team for successful tournament
Taking to social media platform X, Naqvi thanked the PCB team, law enforcement agencies, provincial governments, ICC officials, and participating cricket teams.
He said their "commitment and collective efforts ensured the seamless execution of this prestigious tournament."
The tournament was hosted across three venues in Pakistan - Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi - while India's matches, including the final, were held in Dubai.
"Pakistan takes immense pride in hosting this global spectacle," he added.
Criticism
Former players criticize PCB's absence at final presentation ceremony
Former Pakistan cricketers Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar expressed their disappointment at PCB's absence at the Champions Trophy final presentation ceremony in Dubai.
Despite Pakistan being the host, no official from PCB was present on stage during the prize distribution ceremony.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented the Champions Trophy to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, while BCCI chief Roger Binny awarded the champions' white blazers.
Player reactions
Akram and Akhtar express disappointment over PCB's absence
Akram, too, was disappointed. He said, "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?" He added it looked odd to him while sitting there.
Akhtar also echoed similar sentiments on X, saying despite Pakistan hosting the tournament, no representative from PCB was standing during the presentation ceremony.