LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has strongly protested what it calls ICC bias after its representative was excluded from the post-match ceremony of the Champions Trophy final.
PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmed Syed, was present at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the final clash between India and New Zealand on Sunday. He also served as the tournament director. Yet, despite his dual role, Syed was not invited on stage during the presentation ceremony.
The PCB called this move a “clear disrespect” to Pakistan’s position as the official host of the event. The board has submitted a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council, demanding both an explanation and a public apology.
“We are deeply disappointed by this open display of ICC bias,” a PCB spokesperson told the media. “This is not just a snub to our official. It’s a disregard for our hosting rights.”
The board also criticized what it called the ICC’s “double standards, governance failures, and consistent blunders.” According to the PCB, the ICC violated its own protocol by keeping out Syed, who was not only the Tournament Director but also the chairman’s official representative.
The ICC had earlier invited PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to attend the final. However, he couldn’t travel due to illness, so the COO represented him. The ICC defended its decision by saying that only presidents, chairmen, vice presidents, or CEOs are allowed on stage. But the PCB rejected this excuse, pointing out that it currently has no CEO. It also emphasized that the COO is second in command and holds an equally high rank.
The PCB further highlighted ICC bias by pointing out how the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, BCCI president Roger Binny, and ICC president Jay Shah — all from India — were allowed on stage. This, the board says, exposes ICC’s selective rules and favoritism.
This is not the first time the PCB has raised concerns about ICC bias. During the group stage, Pakistan’s name was missing from the official Champions Trophy logo during the India-Bangladesh live broadcast. Another controversy erupted when the Indian national anthem was played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium before the Australia-England game.
“The ICC has repeatedly failed to show neutrality,” said the PCB spokesperson. “These ongoing issues raise serious questions about the ICC’s fairness and governance.”
The board added that sidelining Pakistan in its own tournament shows poor conduct and favoritism. “We are demanding a full clarification and a guarantee that such discrimination will not happen again,” said the spokesperson.
The PCB insisted that this matter goes beyond a presentation stage. “It’s about respect, equality, and fair play,” the board emphasized. “The cricketing world is watching closely. Will the ICC finally act justly, or continue showing ICC bias in its decisions?”
Another key concern raised by the PCB was how India played all its matches in Dubai. This scheduling allowed India to stay at one venue throughout the event. Meanwhile, other teams, including Pakistan, were forced to travel and adjust to different venues. The PCB blamed this on the Indian government’s refusal to send its team across the border over security concerns. As a result, the final and semi-final had to be shifted, causing logistical challenges.
The PCB now urges the global cricketing body to ensure professionalism, transparency, and equal treatment for all member nations.
