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With only a few hours remaining for the curtain raiser for the highly-anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, a video went viral on social media platforms wherein the Indian flag was seemingly absent from one of the stadiums in Pakistan. While the missing Indian flag from Karachi’s National Stadium sparked new controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board was quick to explain the reason behind this move.
It is to be noted that Pakistan, who lifted the last edition of Champions Trophy in 2017, have been given the hosting rights for the upcoming edition, which is set to get underway from Wednesday, February 19. However, the Rohit Sharma-led Team India will play all their matches in Dubai after they denied travelling to Pakistan due to security concerns.
Only four flags will be hoisted on Champions Trophy 2025 match days: PCB spokesperson clarifies
With a massive outrage on social media seeing India’s flag absent from the stadium, the PCB has come up with an explanation. "The ICC has advised that only four flags will be hoisted on Champions Trophy 2025 match days - ICC (Event Authority), PCB (Event Host) and the two sides competing on that day. Simple," a PCB spokesperson told Hindustan Times.
Speaking of the marquee tournament, while Pakistan being the host, will open the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 at the Karachi Stadium, India on the other hand will play their first match against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The much-awaited clash between the arch-rivals, India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 23 at the DICS in Dubai.
