PCB Responds to No Indian Flag at Karachi Stadium Controversy Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) addresses the controversy over the absence of the Indian flag at Karachi’s National Stadium ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. PCB clarifies its stance amid heated social media debates.
A social media storm erupted after a video from Karachi’s National Stadium showed flags of participating nations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025—but without India’s tricolor. The footage ignited criticism and speculation, with many accusing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of deliberately omitting the Indian flag due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
However, PCB has now broken its silence, downplaying the controversy and clarifying that only flags of teams playing in Pakistan have been raised at the stadiums hosting Champions Trophy matches.
PCB’s Explanation: “India Is Not Playing in Pakistan”
A PCB insider, speaking to IANS, addressed the uproar, saying:
“As you know, India is not coming to Pakistan to play its matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore have hoisted flags of countries that are going to play at these venues.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security concerns and political tensions. As a result, the ICC adopted a hybrid model, shifting all of India’s matches to Dubai.
The PCB source further explained that Bangladesh’s flag was also absent because the Bangladesh team had not yet arrived in Pakistan and would be playing its first match against India in Dubai.
“Baseless Controversy with No Facts”: PCB Dismisses Claims
Dismissing the social media outrage, the PCB source denied any political motive, stating that:
“I don’t think PCB even needs to issue an official statement. This controversy is manufactured without facts and aims to damage Pakistan’s image as the tournament host with fake news.”
The source also highlighted that different stadiums in Pakistan will host different teams, and their flags are being displayed as a welcoming gesture.
Additionally, banners featuring captains of all participating nations—including India—have been installed across key locations in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to promote the event.
Champions Trophy Returns After 8 Years – With Pakistan as Defending Champion
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks the tournament’s return after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan as the defending champion. This will also be Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
Despite the political tensions, the PCB remains committed to ensuring the success of the event, with matches scheduled across Pakistan. However, with India playing in Dubai under the hybrid model, the controversy over the missing flag is likely to continue stirring debate.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes remain on Pakistan’s ability to smoothly host one of cricket’s most prestigious events.
