A video from Pakistan’s National Stadium in Karachi has sparked controversy after it surfaced on social media, showing the venue adorned with the flags of participating nations—except India. The footage, widely shared by cricket fans, has ignited debates about the missing Indian flag just days before the ICC Champions Trophy kicks off.
The omission has left many stunned, with speculations linking it to India’s decision to play all its matches in Dubai.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had refused to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security concerns, leading to a hybrid tournament model. Under this arrangement, India will play its matches—including the semi-final and final, if they qualify—in Dubai.
Karachi is set to host games featuring New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and England. However, the absence of the Indian flag at the stadium has raised concerns over whether this was an intentional move by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
As part of a compromise reached between the BCCI, PCB, and the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan has also agreed to play its future ICC event matches outside India when the latter hosts tournaments. The ongoing tensions between the two cricketing nations continue to shape international tournament logistics, fueling further debate in the cricketing world.
