Pakistan’s role as Champions Trophy host undermined by ICC’s disregard

 Pakistan’s role as Champions Trophy host undermined by ICC’s disregard

Asher Butt

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, officially hosted by Pakistan, concluded in Dubai with India clinching the title. However, the tournament ended on a controversial note when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was excluded from the closing ceremony — an unprecedented move that has raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s diminishing role in global cricket governance.

Factually speaking, Pakistan was a host without authority? Despite being the official host, Pakistan never truly exercised its authority over the tournament. The first major setback came when India refused to play in Pakistan due to political tensions, forcing the tournament into a hybrid model. Consequently, all of India’s matches, including the final, were shifted to Dubai. This shift significantly weakened Pakistan’s position as the host and called into question the ICC’s impartiality in handling geopolitical issues in cricket.

By allowing India to dictate the venue, the ICC essentially reduced Pakistan to a symbolic host, stripping it of the influence traditionally held by host nations. The irony is that while Pakistan was recognized as the official host, it had little control over logistical and administrative matters, setting a troubling precedent for future ICC events.

The controversy brewed during the closing ceremony was not less than an insult to the host nation. The exclusion of PCB officials from the closing ceremony was the final insult. Typically, the head of the host board is invited to participate in the prize distribution, yet Pakistan had no representation on stage. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was unable to attend, but PCB’s Chief Operating Officer and Tournament Director, Sumair Ahmed Syed, was present at the stadium. However, he was not invited by the ICC.

This decision sparked outrage in Pakistan, as it contradicted long-standing traditions where the host board’s representatives are acknowledged on stage. It also fueled speculation that the ICC, under the growing influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), deliberately sidelined Pakistan.

The ICC justified its decision by claiming that only the "head of the host board" was eligible for stage presence. This explanation, however, failed to convince many, as past events have seen alternative representatives filling in when the board chairman was unavailable.

The question arises that why does ICC treat Pakistan differently? The PCB’s mistreatment is not an isolated incident but part of a worrying pattern where Pakistan’s role in international cricket is repeatedly undermined. The ICC’s growing dependence on India’s financial power has led to a scenario where Pakistan’s interests are often overlooked or compromised.

Critics argue that the ICC’s attitude towards Pakistan is heavily influenced by BCCI’s dominance. The financial might of Indian cricket has given the BCCI leverage over major decisions, and the ICC seems unwilling to challenge India’s stance, even when it comes at the cost of fairness to other member boards.

Moreover, Pakistan’s exclusion from the closing ceremony reflects broader disrespect toward its cricketing contributions. Pakistan has a rich cricketing history, having won the Champions Trophy in 2017 and produced world-class players. Yet, its voice in global cricket governance continues to weaken due to ICC’s apparent bias.

The PCB has announced plans to formally protest against its exclusion, but whether the ICC will take its concerns seriously remains doubtful. If Pakistan continues to be sidelined, it raises the question of whether it should reconsider hosting ICC events under the current governance structure.

Pakistan’s treatment in the 2025 Champions Trophy should serve as a wake-up call. The PCB must assert its authority and demand fair treatment in future ICC events. If the ICC cannot ensure impartiality, it risks damaging the credibility of international cricket and alienating one of its most passionate cricketing nations.

This controversy has further strained relations between the PCB and ICC, prompting discussions about the treatment of host nations and the importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum in international sporting events. The PCB's decision to formally protest indicates a deep-seated frustration and a demand for greater respect and recognition in global cricket forums.

In conclusion, while the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy showcased high-quality cricket, the off-field controversies, particularly concerning Pakistan's representation, have cast a shadow over the tournament, underscoring the need for clearer protocols and mutual respect in international cricket administration.

The 2025 Champions Trophy should have been a proud moment for Pakistan, but instead, it exposed the harsh reality of global cricket politics—where financial power dictates decisions, and traditional hosts are reduced to mere spectators.