The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing severe criticism for not having a single representative present during the Champions Trophy 2025 final presentation ceremony in Dubai. As India secured the title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets, the post-match podium was shared by International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny, secretary Devajit Saikia, and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) director Roger Twose.

No PCB presence despite being the host nation

Notably, PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmed, who also served as the tournament director, was present in Dubai but was not invited onto the stage for the trophy presentation. According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not travel to Dubai due to his commitments as Pakistan’s interior minister. He had informed the ICC about his absence, citing his engagement in a joint parliamentary session in Islamabad, where President Asif Zardari was addressing the nation.

Shoaib Akhtar questions PCB’s absence

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment on social media over the PCB’s absence from the stage.

“India has won the ICC Champions Trophy today, but I noticed something strange. Pakistan were the hosts in the tournament, but there were no Pakistan Cricket Board representatives here (at the trophy presentation). This is beyond my understanding. Why was there no one to represent us and give the trophy? Please think about it; it’s a world stage, but sadly I could not see any PCB members. Feeling very down to see that,” said Akhtar in a video posted on X.

Speculations over PCB’s decision

Some former Pakistan cricketers have suggested that the absence of PCB officials at the ceremony could be misinterpreted in India, making it appear as though the PCB chairman avoided the event because of India’s triumph. This speculation has further fueled the controversy.

Pakistan’s poor campaign in its home tournament

The 2025 Champions Trophy was significant for Pakistan, as it was their first ICC event at home in 29 years. However, the hosts had a disappointing campaign, crashing out in the group stage after defeats to New Zealand and India.

While the ICC holds authority over selecting dignitaries for the podium, the exclusion of a PCB representative despite Sumair Ahmed’s presence has raised many eyebrows. The matter has sparked debate within Pakistan’s cricket fraternity, with many questioning the board’s decision-making in such a high-profile global event.

US President Donald Trump has reached out to Iran’s leadership, expressing his willingness to negotiate a nuclear agreement. In an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Friday, Trump revealed that he sent a letter on Thursday, urging Iran to consider discussions.

“I said I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran,” Trump stated, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts could be more beneficial for the country.

The letter, reportedly addressed to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signals the US administration’s push to prevent further nuclear development. Trump stressed the urgency of negotiations, adding, “I think they want to get that letter. The other alternative is we have to do something, because you can’t let another nuclear weapon.”

The White House has yet to officially confirm the details of the letter or its contents.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov engaged in discussions with Iranian Ambassador Kazem Jalali, focusing on international efforts to address Iran’s nuclear situation. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed these discussions on Friday, highlighting the ongoing global concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Train services across Europe were significantly impacted on Friday, March 7, when operations, including Eurostar services to and from London, were halted due to the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb near the busy Gare du Nord station in Paris. This interruption in service affected not only international trains but also routes heading northward from the French capital.

France’s national railway company, SNCF, confirmed that train traffic was suspended following a police request to ensure public safety. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot warned that travelers should expect “strong disruptions” throughout the day. While some limited services are set to resume in the afternoon, he urged passengers to reconsider their travel plans and, if possible, delay their journeys to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

The bomb was unearthed early Friday morning, around 4 a.m., by construction workers conducting earth-moving operations in the Seine-Saint-Denis area, situated just north of Paris. In response to the discovery, authorities deployed minesweepers to the location to assess and manage the situation. As the day progressed, travelers stranded at the Gare du Nord gathered as the station finally reopened for operations.

The Gare du Nord is not only a crucial hub for local and regional transit but also serves as a vital international gateway for travelers heading to destinations like Brussels and the Netherlands, as well as for those making connections to the main airport in Paris. With thousands of commuters and tourists passing through daily, the impact of such disruptions is felt widely.

Unexploded ordnance from both World War I and World War II is not an uncommon find around France, given the country’s extensive wartime history. However, discovering such bombs in heavily populated areas is relatively rare and raises significant safety concerns.

During his remarks on Sud Radio, Minister Tabarot reassured the public, especially local residents and those near the train stations, stating there was “no fear” of an imminent explosion risk. He emphasized the rigorous safety procedures in place for the defusing and removal of these potentially dangerous artifacts, aiming to calm fears amid the ongoing operations.