BIG Embarrassment For Pakistan! Host's Conspicuous Absence From Champions Trophy Final Ceremony Raises Eyebrows, Shoaib Akhtar Shocked

Champions Trophy 2025 Final: Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its absence at the Champions Trophy 2025 prize distribution ceremony. Expressing his disappointment, Akhtar pointed out that no PCB official was present to hand over the trophy after India’s thrilling final victory against New Zealand. Sharing his views, Akhtar stated that Pakistan should have had a representative on stage, highlighting the lack of PCB’s presence in such a significant moment. His remarks have sparked discussions on the board’s approach and its role in international events.

Shoaib Akhtar's Disappointment Over PCB's Absence

Shoaib Akhtar took to X and shared a video expressing his disappointment with the PCB. He captioned the post, 'This is literally beyond my understanding. How can this happen???'

Watch Here:

This is literally beyond my understanding.
How can this be done???#championstrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/CPIUgevFj9

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 9, 2025

In the video, Shoaib Akhtar said, "It was disappointing not to see any Pakistan representative at such a major event in Dubai. Pakistan is the official host of this tournament." He further questioned in the video’s caption, "This is beyond my understanding. How can the host country not be represented at the final and the presentation ceremony?"

Pakistan in Turmoil After India's Champions Trophy 2025 Victory

The Champions Trophy 2025 final was won by India, and the trophy was handed over to Indian captain Rohit Sharma by International Cricket Council (ICC) President Jay Shah. Additionally, the prestigious white blazer, traditionally given to the winning team, was presented to Team India by BCCI President Roger Binny.

Several dignitaries were present on stage, including former Australian captain Aaron Finch and BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. However, no official from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was seen at the event. Since Pakistan was the official host of the Champions Trophy 2025, this absence has sparked controversy within Pakistan itself. Many former Pakistani cricketers have taken to social media to express their anger against PCB.

Shoaib Akhtar Lashes Out at PCB

Shoaib Akhtar further expressed his frustration, saying, "India won the Champions Trophy 2025 Final, but there was something very strange. No one from the Pakistan Cricket Board was present at the prize ceremony. The Champions Trophy is happening under Pakistan's hosting, yet no PCB representative was there to present the trophy. This is beyond my understanding. We were supposed to be there, but no one showed up. This is shocking!"

Adding to the surprise, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also missing from the event. Interestingly, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla had attended the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore on March 5. However, during the final in Dubai, no official from the Pakistan Cricket Board was present.