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A fresh controversy erupted ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 after a video surfaced on social media, allegedly showing the absence of the Indian flag at Karachi’s National Stadium. Fans quickly pointed out that while the flags of other participating nations were displayed at the venue, India‘s flag was missing, sparking widespread debate and surprise. The exact reason behind its absence remains unclear, but speculation suggests it could be because India decided to play all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai. The incident has fueled discussions online, with many questioning the rationale behind the omission.
No Indian flag at the National Stadium
The Karachi Stadium is set to host matches featuring New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and England during the upcoming Champions Trophy. However, just days before the tournament is scheduled to begin, a video surfaced from the venue, showing the flags of participating nations prominently displayed. The footage quickly gained attention as fans noticed the absence of the Indian flag, sparking widespread debate and speculation. Many questioned whether this was an intentional decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or a mere oversight. The incident has added an unexpected layer of controversy to the build-up of the prestigious tournament.
Here’s the video
No Indian flag in Karachi: As only the Indian team faced security issues in Pakistan and refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, the PCB removed the Indian flag from the Karachi stadium while keeping the flags of the other guest playing nations. pic.twitter.com/rjM9LcWQXs
— Arsalan (@Arslan1245) February 16, 2025
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Yuvraj, Sidhu, Inzamam and Afridi make India vs Pakistan prediction
India’s refusal to tour Pakistan leads to hybrid model
The Indian cricket team’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy led to a major shift in the tournament’s format, forcing the PCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to adopt a hybrid model. As part of the agreement, India will play all its matches, including the semi-final and final, if they qualify in Dubai. The decision came after extensive negotiations between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), PCB, and ICC to find a workable solution. In a reciprocal arrangement, Pakistan’s national team will also avoid playing matches in ICC events hosted by India in the coming years. This compromise aims to maintain the smooth conduct of global tournaments despite the ongoing political tensions. While the hybrid model resolves immediate concerns, it further underscores the deep-rooted challenges surrounding cricketing ties between the two nations.
