WATCH: Indian flag’s absence in Karachi stadium ignites controversy ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

The Champions Trophy will start in two days at the National Stadium in Karachi, where Pakistan, the hosts, will play New Zealand. Since the Asian country will be hosting its first ICC tournament since the 1996 World Cup, this is expected to be one of the most momentous occasions.

On security-related matters, there was already a great deal of disagreement between the PCB and the BCCI. This is also the reason why, beginning on February 20, Indian will play all of its matches in Dubai. As the PCB was making every effort to encourage the Men in Blue to play in Pakistan, several reports also implied that there were significant divisions between the two boards. But because of the country’s security problems, the BCCI was unwilling to take the chance. The ICC ultimately chose a hybrid approach in which all of India’s matches will take place in Dubai.

Although it was thought that all of the doubts surrounding the event had finally been dispelled, a video has been making the rounds on social media showing that, before to the Champions Trophy, every team’s flag—aside from the Indian flag—was flying over the National Stadium. This video has already sparked a fresh fan debate, and it appears that the PCB may still be having issues with the Indian apex board over their decision to not participate in games in Pakistan.

Check out the viral video of Indian flag missing:

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