“If you play for yourself, there will be no respect”, Former Pakistan cricketer takes a dig at team

The controversy regarding the absence of PCB officials in the post-match ceremony of the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy final is still creating buzz. Kamran Akmal, former Pakistan cricketer took a dig at Pakistan cricket saying, “The ICC showed us the mirror”.

Akmal takes a dig

Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal opined that Pakistan did not ‘deserve’ to have a representative on podium of the Champions Trophy presentation ceremony. He said on his YouTube channel, “The ICC showed us the mirror.” He added, “The tournament’s director (Sumair) was there. He was available, and why wasn’t he in the ceremony? It is because we don’t deserve to be there. We are not playing good cricket. Minow teams have shown us the mirror.”

He further added, “No one discussed how Pakistan hosted the tournament. If we play such cricket, we will be treated like this. If you play for yourself, there will be no respect.” Meanwhile, legends like Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar also spoke about PCB representative’s absence on stage despite being the host.

ICC explains

As per an early report by PTI, PCB will lodge a formal complaint with the ICC for ignoring the board representative in the ceremony. In absence of PCB Chairman, PCB CEO and Champions Trophy tournament director Sumair Ahmed Syed was present in the stadium during the event’s closing ceremony.

However, ICC sources have given explanation to PTI. “If the PCB mandarins look up, even ICC CEO Geoff Allardice wasn’t present on stage. The reason is protocol. 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?”

Jay Shah, the ICC chairman was present at the stadium along with  Roger Binny, the BCCI president, New Zealand Cricket’s CEO Roger Twose etc.

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