Ex-Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed surprise at the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) no-show at the Champions Trophy 2025 award ceremony, where India won their third title with a four-wicket win over New Zealand. The great pacer vented his ire on social media, wondering why no PCB officials had turned up to represent Pakistan, the host country of the tournament.
Akhtar asserted that Pakistan owed it to the world to remain fully engaged in the historic event, even if the hosting nation was defeated. He referred to the fact that the hosting country’s board members should actively participate in big ICC competitions, especially the final award ceremony. The retired player also underlined the fact that these instances bear testament to the professionalism and credibility of the board, while its lack thereof raises key concerns over the nation’s response to international cricket events.
The PCB has not responded officially to the criticism yet, but Akhtar’s comments have sparked debate among analysts and fans. Speculation has been rife that internal board problems or political tensions may have been responsible for the no-show. But some opine it was just a case of administrative slip-up.
With the Champions Trophy being Pakistan’s comeback as a host country for ICC tournaments, Shoaib Akhtar’s complaint emphasizes the necessity of greater involvement and representation by the PCB on the international level. As the controversy rages on, cricket fans look forward to an explanation from the board about its absence from one of the greatest moments in global cricket.
