PCB seeks ICC response on exclusion from ceremony

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is waiting for a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding its concerns about being excluded from the Champions Trophy final ceremony. The PCB previously protested the ICC's decision not to include its Chief Operating Officer, Sumair Ahmed Syed, in the ceremony held after the final match between India and New Zealand in Dubai. The PCB believes this exclusion shows a "blatant disregard" for Pakistan's role as the host nation. They have asked for an explanation and a public apology from the ICC. The board also claims that the ICC violated its own rules about who should be present at such events. In a recent update, a PCB spokesman confirmed that a reminder had been sent to the ICC. They are seeking clarity on why no host member was included in the ceremony's four-member panel. The ICC had previously defended its choice by stating that only top officials like board presidents or CEOs could be on stage. However, the PCB argues that Syed's role is equivalent to a CEO and should have qualified him for inclusion. The PCB has also raised other issues, including mistakes made by the ICC during the tournament. They noted that Pakistan's name was missing from the Champions Trophy logo in the live feed. Additionally, the Indian national anthem was accidentally played during a match in Lahore. The PCB expressed concerns over the ICC's management, suggesting that it undermines the ICC's credibility. They expect professionalism and equal representation in the future and are awaiting further communication from the ICC on these matters.