The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after a row over the exclusion of Sumair Ahmed, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer and Champions Trophy Tournament Director, from the trophy presentation ceremony. The ICC is not likely to give any official reply to the issue despite the protests of PCB.
No PCB Representatives In Trophy Presentation
The issue came in the wake of India winning their third Champions Trophy title in a four-wicket win against New Zealand in the final match held in Dubai on Sunday. Since PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was not present at the match, Sumair Ahmed was dispatched there in his place. But he was not invited to the stage during the post-match ceremony by the ICC. In their place, BCCI President Roger Binny handed over white jackets to the Indian players and presented medals to match officials, while the winner’s medals were handed out by ICC Chairman Jay Shah and the trophy was given to India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma. Joining them on stage were BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who is also BCCI’s director on the ICC board, and New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose. Interestingly, Binny is the Alternate Director on the ICC board.
PCB Files An Official Complaint
“We have filed a formal complaint with the ICC as what happened is unacceptable to us,” a PCB official told PTI on Tuesday.
In spite of PCB’s outcry, ICC sources made it clear that their action was in line with tournament regulations, leaving no scope to include Sumair Ahmed in the ceremony. PCB, however, termed this explanation as “illogical” and continues to insist on a public clarification, terming the exclusion as “unjust treatment.”
ICC Explains Its Protocols To PCB
“If the PCB mandarins look up, even ICC CEO Geoff Allardice wasn’t present on stage. The reason is protocol,” said the ICC source. “Sumair Ahmed is an employee of the PCB and not an office-bearer. Also please check when has a tournament director been on stage for presentation?
Directors Not Invited On Stage
“We can give an example. ICC’s new head of operations and communications Gaurav Saxena was once Tournament Director for Asia Cup in Dubai. Was he on stage for final presentation,” the source added as quoted by Hindustan Times.
PCB Waiting For Formal Clarification
“The reasons being given for not having our COO and tournament director on stage for the final presentation make no sense to us. We are waiting for a formal clarification/apology,” the PCB official said. “We are appalled by this blatant disregard for Pakistan’s role as the host nation.”
“Giving explanations that ICC only invites CEOs, chairmen, vice-chairmen or secretaries for the ceremony is illogical. We want a full public clarification and an assurance that such biased and unjust treatment will not happen again or we will push this matter to the Board of governors,” he added.
(With PTI Inputs)
