Champions Trophy Flag Row: Pakistan responds after backlash over missing Indian flag

A video from Karachi’s National Stadium surfaced on social media, showing the flags of multiple competing nations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, one significant omission stood out—the Indian tricolour. The footage quickly spread across platforms, drawing reactions from cricket fans and igniting debates about the possible reasons behind the flag’s absence.

Many speculated that the omission was linked to India's decision to play all of its matches in Dubai due to security concerns. Some fans saw it as a deliberate move by the PCB. “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,” posted user Arsalan (@Arslan1245) on X (formerly Twitter).

PCB Responds to the Backlash

With growing controversy, the PCB was quick to clarify its stance. A source from the board told India Today, “The ICC has advised that only four (4) flags will be hoisted on CT25 match days—ICC (Event Authority), PCB (Event Host) and the two sides competing on that day.” This, the PCB maintained, was the reason for the missing Indian flag.

India-Pakistan Cricket Relations and the Hybrid Model

India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament stems from longstanding political tensions and security concerns. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully negotiated a hybrid model with the ICC, under which all of India’s matches, including the knockout rounds, will be played in Dubai. As part of the agreement, Pakistan has also agreed not to play in India-hosted ICC tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The two cricketing giants have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13. Their meetings have been limited to ICC events, with Pakistan last visiting India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. In contrast, India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

Champions Trophy Returns After Eight Years

This edition marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus. Pakistan, the defending champions from 2017, are hosting the event for the first time. The tournament officially begins on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. India starts its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash is set for February 23, making it one of the most awaited encounters of the tournament.

With the flag controversy adding fuel to the rivalry, all eyes will be on how the teams perform both on and off the field. Cricket, as always, remains entangled in the larger political narrative between these two nations.