Overview

• India claimed its third ICC Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in the final, with Rohit Sharma leading the team to victory and contributing a crucial 76-run knock.
• Pakistan, the tournament's host, faced backlash for its poor performance, finishing last in its group and failing to advance beyond the group stage.
• Controversy arose when no Pakistani representative was present during the final's trophy presentation, prompting the PCB to lodge a formal complaint with the ICC over alleged protocol issues.
• Critics, including former cricketer Kamran Akmal, attributed Pakistan's absence on the podium to their disappointing cricketing standards, calling it a 'reality check' for the team and board.
• The tournament saw a stark contrast in fan engagement, with packed crowds in Dubai for India's matches versus lukewarm attendance in Pakistan, highlighting the economic and cultural dominance of Indian cricket.