The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for “successfully hosting” the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy. In a statement released on Wednesday, the ICC also extended thanks to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for overseeing the matches involving India.
Due to the Indian government’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan, India played their matches in Dubai, including the semi-final and final. Rohit Sharma’s team went on to win the tournament, securing their third Champions Trophy title after defeating New Zealand by four wickets on Sunday.
The event, which ran from February 19 to March 9, marked the first global cricket tournament in Pakistan since 1996. Matches were held across four venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—as well as Dubai in the UAE.
“We would like to thank and congratulate the Pakistan Cricket Board for successfully hosting the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025,” said ICC CEO Geoff Allardice. “This was a significant event for the PCB, being the first global multi-team cricket event in Pakistan since 1996. The efforts of all those involved in renovating the stadiums, preparing the playing surfaces, and hosting the teams and visitors should be highly praised.”
However, the ICC’s praise comes amid controversy. The PCB recently lodged a formal protest, demanding a public apology from the ICC for its “blatant disregard” towards Pakistan’s role as the host nation. The PCB criticized the ICC for not including its Chief Operating Officer, who was also the tournament director, in the post-match ceremony at the final.
The PCB also raised concerns over other perceived oversights, such as the omission of Pakistan’s name in the official Champions Trophy logo during the live broadcast of the India-Bangladesh group stage match. Additionally, the PCB pointed out that part of the Indian national anthem was played in Gaddafi Stadium before the Australia-England match.
The ICC has yet to respond to these complaints, leaving the PCB frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of neutrality and fairness. A PCB spokesperson expressed concerns about the ICC’s credibility, citing “repeated blunders” and “double standards” in its handling of the event.
