Karachi/Lahore, February 17, 2025:
Just before the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, an incident in Pakistan has triggered a major controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently adorned the stadiums in Karachi and Lahore with the flags of participating nations but conspicuously omitted the Indian flag Tiranga. This act has led to a massive uproar among Indian cricket fans and officials.
Outrage on Social Media Over Missing Tricolor
The controversy erupted when videos from the National Stadium in Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore surfaced on social media, showing flags of all competing nations except India. The exclusion of the Indian flag at a global cricket event hosted by Pakistan drew sharp criticism, with many accusing the PCB of deliberate negligence.
Indian fans took to social media to express their anger, demanding an explanation from the PCB. As the backlash grew, PCB officials were compelled to respond to the mounting pressure.
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
PCB’s Clarification on the Flag Controversy
Amid the growing controversy, a PCB source, while speaking to Sports Tak, attempted to clarify the situation. The source cited an International Cricket Council (ICC) rule that supposedly restricts the number of flags displayed at match venues.
“This is completely incorrect. ICC has allowed us to hoist only four flags: one for the ICC, one for the host nation, and two flags of the teams playing in that particular match. Therefore, at any given time, only these four flags are permitted inside the stadiums,” the PCB source explained.
Despite this clarification, Indian fans and cricket analysts remain skeptical, questioning whether the rule was interpreted correctly or selectively enforced.
India to Play Champions Trophy Matches in Dubai
Adding another dimension to the issue, Team India is set to skip traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Due to strained diplomatic relations and security concerns, India will play all its matches in Dubai under a hybrid model approved by the ICC.
As per the schedule, Pakistan will be required to travel to Dubai for its matches against India. The much-awaited India-Pakistan clash is set to take place on February 23, 2025, in Dubai, an encounter that is expected to draw global attention.
The tournament opener, however, will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 10, 2025, at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Tensions Continue to Rise Before the Tournament
The latest controversy surrounding the missing Indian flag has further intensified the rivalry between the two cricketing nations. While PCB insists it was merely following ICC regulations, many in the Indian cricketing fraternity view it as an unnecessary provocation.
With just weeks left for the Champions Trophy 2025, the incident has cast a shadow over the tournament, raising concerns about the relations between the two cricketing giants. Whether this controversy will subside or escalate further remains to be seen as cricket fans await an official statement from the ICC regarding the matter.
For now, all eyes remain on the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash in Dubai, which promises to be a spectacle both on and off the field.
