Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was notably absent from the Champions Trophy 2025 final presentation ceremony in Dubai. According to an International Cricket Council (ICC) spokesperson, Naqvi, as the designated representative of the host board, was invited but did not attend the final. The ICC clarified that their protocol involves inviting only the head of the host board—such as the president, vice president, chairman, or CEO—to participate in the awards ceremony. Other board officials, regardless of their presence at the venue, are not part of the stage proceedings.
This absence led to criticism, as traditionally, host country officials are present at such ceremonies. The PCB plans to officially write to the ICC, questioning why the host board was not represented during the event.
The final, initially scheduled to be held in Pakistan, was relocated to Dubai after the Indian government refused to send its team to play in Pakistan. While most of the tournament took place in Pakistan, the decision to move the final had already sparked discussions regarding the visibility of the host nation during key moments of the event.
The PCB's Chief Operating Officer and Tournament Director, Sameer Ahmed Syed, was present at the final. However, adhering to its established protocols, the ICC did not invite him to participate in the ceremony.