Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Puts Up India Flag At Karachi Stadium After Flak Over Missing Tricolour In Lahore

The PCB finally placed the Indian flag in Karachi after facing backlash for not putting up the tricolour flag at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to enthrall fans as Pakistan and New Zealand clash in the tournament’s opener on February 19 (Wednesday) at the National Stadium, Karachi. The Champions Trophy marks a historic event for Pakistan as they are hosting an ICC event after 29 years. However, India will play all their matches in the UAE. Notably, ahead of the Champions Trophy, a controversy erupted after a viral video from Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore showed flags of all participating nations except India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faced heavy criticism after a video went viral showing the Indian tricolour flag missing from one of the tournament venues while the flags of the rest of the participating nations were showcased. Many speculated that the PCB deliberately excluded it in response to India's decision not to send its team to Pakistan for the event. .

After the video went viral, PCB officials defended their stance, claiming that flag placement decisions were made in accordance with ICC directives.

“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 competing teams of the day,” a PCB spokesperson told Hindustan Times.

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However, on the eve of the Champions Trophy opener, a viral post showed that the Indian flag was finally displayed at Karachi’s National Stadium, the venue for the Pakistan vs New Zealand opening match.

Here's a look at the viral posts showing Indian flag present at the National Stadium in Karachi:

For the unversed, the PCB and BCCI have been at odds for months leading up to the Champions Trophy after the latter informed the ICC that the Indian government had denied clearance for the Rohit Sharma-led team India to travel to Pakistan. The ICC was eventually compelled to adopt a hybrid model, designating Dubai as the neutral venue for all India matches.