ICC Thanks PCB For Successful Hosting Of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Amidst Controversy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for successfully hosting the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, along with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for staging five matches. This acknowledgement was conveyed in an official release from the ICC.

The tournament, held from February 19 to March 9, marked Pakistan’s first time hosting a global cricket event since 1996. Matches were played across four venues, including Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, while Dubai in the United Arab Emirates also hosted a portion of the competition.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice lauded the efforts of the PCB, stating, “We would like to thank and congratulate the Pakistan Cricket Board for successfully hosting the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.”

Highlighting the significance of the event, he further noted, “As this was the first global multi-team cricket event played in the country since 1996, this event was of huge significance for the PCB, and all those involved in renovating the stadiums, preparing the playing surfaces, delivering the matches, and hosting the teams and visitors should be very proud of their efforts.”

India Clinches Third Champions Trophy Title

The final of the tournament took place at the Dubai International Stadium, where India secured their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling encounter.

The ICC also extended its appreciation to the ECB for their role in successfully hosting part of the tournament. “The ICC would also like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for staging five of the matches in Dubai and continuing to provide great support to the ICC in staging its major men’s and women’s events,” Allardice stated.

He emphasized the global appeal of the tournament, remarking, “The tournament once again showed the importance of ICC events as fans all over the world watched and followed it with great enthusiasm either at the venues or on satellite and digital channels.”

Allardice also acknowledged the contribution of all participating teams, saying, “Thanks to the eight participating teams for making it such a compelling event, and congratulations to India for winning a third Champions Trophy title in a memorable final.”

Despite the successful hosting of the tournament, controversy arose when no PCB official was present at the final awards ceremony. This absence was questioned by former Pakistani cricketers, including Shoaib Akhtar, who criticized the situation. In response, the PCB has formally lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding the matter.

(Inputs from ANI)

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