A viral video from Karachi’s National Stadium, missing the Indian flag among participating nations, has ignited controversy ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Indian Flag Controversy Erupts in Pakistan Ahead of Champions Trophy
A fresh controversy has emerged ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as a viral video from Karachi’s National Stadium shows the absence of the Indian flag among the flags of participating nations. The footage, widely shared on social media, has left cricket fans puzzled and fueled heated discussions online.
The missing Indian flag has led to intense speculation, with many linking it to India’s decision to play all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai instead of traveling to Pakistan. As per the tournament’s hybrid model, India will play its group-stage, semi-final, and final matches (if qualified) in Dubai, rather than in Pakistan.
Karachi’s National Stadium is set to host matches featuring teams like New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and England. However, the exclusion of India’s flag at the venue has raised questions regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) intentions.
India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan led to a compromise between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), PCB, and the International Cricket Council (ICC), resulting in a hybrid hosting format. As part of this agreement, Pakistan will also not play its matches in ICC events hosted by India in the future.
The incident has further strained cricketing relations between the two nations, adding another layer of controversy to an already high-stakes tournament. Fans continue to debate whether this was an intentional move by the PCB or merely an oversight ahead of the event.
