In a striking twist, the ICC has praised Pakistan for successfully hosting the Champions Trophy, even as the PCB protests the governing body’s alleged disregard for the host nation. The contradiction has sparked fresh controversy, raising questions about fairness in global cricket.
PCB Accuses ICC of Bias
The PCB has accused the ICC of sidelining Pakistan, citing multiple oversights—including the exclusion of its tournament director from the post-match ceremony, the omission of Pakistan’s name from the live feed logo during an India-Bangladesh match, and the accidental playing of part of the Indian national anthem in Lahore before an Australia-England game. A PCB spokesperson slammed these incidents as “double standards,” claiming they have cast serious doubts over the ICC’s neutrality.
A Historic Tournament Amid Tensions
Despite the tensions, the Champions Trophy was a historic milestone, marking Pakistan’s first global cricket event since 1996. Matches were held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, while India’s games—including the final—were played in Dubai due to political tensions. India claimed the title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets.
ICC Acknowledges Pakistan’s Efforts
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice commended Pakistan’s efforts, acknowledging the scale of hosting such a major tournament. “All those involved in renovating stadiums, preparing pitches, and delivering the matches should be proud of their efforts,” he said.
Controversy Lingers Over ICC’s Silence
But while the ICC celebrates Pakistan’s role, its silence on PCB’s grievances keeps the controversy alive, fueling the debate over bias and governance in international cricket.