Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sameer Ahmed Syed has revealed that he was present at the ICC Champions Trophy final but was not invited to the stage. Speaking about the incident, he stated that PCB had lodged a protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the response was not satisfactory.
“We consider this a serious administrative failure,” Sameer Ahmed said. “However, everyone knows the real forces behind this decision.”
Concerns Over Stadium Roof Leakage During Champions Trophy
In addition to this issue, PCB also acknowledged the problem of stadium roof leakage during a Champions Trophy match between Afghanistan and Australia. Heavy rain exposed flaws in the stadium’s roof, leading to water leaks in several areas.
Immediate Repairs and Contractor Accountability
Sameer Ahmed confirmed that the stadium’s roof has since been repaired, and the contractor responsible for the construction has been held accountable for the damages.
“There were deficiencies in the roof treatment,” he admitted. “We have no hesitation in accepting that leakage occurred. However, we have ensured that all necessary repairs have been completed, and the contractor has covered the costs.”
Gaddafi Stadium Maintenance Measures
He also mentioned that similar leakage issues were identified at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, but prompt action was taken to fix them. “Wherever leakage was reported, we ensured that repairs were carried out by the contractor,” he stated.
Final Thoughts
The controversy surrounding the Champions Trophy final snub and stadium management issues has raised questions about administrative efficiency. While PCB has addressed the stadium concerns, the issue of being sidelined at the final remains a point of contention, highlighting deeper challenges in international cricket relations.
