Hosts Pakistsn had no representation at the prize distribution ceremony podium of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday.
Sources in Pakistan Cricket Board told Telecom Asia Sport (marvelbetgames.com) that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not travel to Dubai due to his official commitment as interior minister of the country.
Mr Naqvi had conveyed to the ICC that he was busy in the joint parliament session in Islamabad where President Asif Zardari was due to address.
Naqvi’s absence went down as bitter for India was playing the final, which they won by beating New Zealand by four wickets.
The podium had ICC chairman Jay Shah, BCCI president Roger Binny, New Zealand Cricket Director Roger Twose and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was in attendance.
PCB chief operating officer Samair Ahmed, also the tournament director of the Champions Trophy was in Dubai but was not invited to the podium.
Former cricketers and national media showed shock and surprise over no PCB representation in the final and termed it a huge embarrassment for the hosts.
Pakistan was host just for name and no representation of Pakistan in the final is a big embarrassment.
Sources said it’s the ICC that decides the guests at the podium but despite PCB representative Sumair Ahmed in Dubai, he was not called upon the podium.
I believe wrong reflection will be conveyed to India that PCB chairman did not attend the ceremony because India was in the final and also became the ultimate winner.
It’s beyond me why there was no one from Pcb at the prize distribution, I think everyone should take notice. It was the world stage and Pakistan was the host yet there was no rep from Pakistan.
