The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has explained why the Indian flag was not displayed at Karachi’s National Stadium in advance of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. This issue gained attention after a video went viral showing the flags of all participating nations, excluding India. While some suggested that this omission was a retaliatory measure by the PCB, the board clarified that the decision originated from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

PCB Statement

The PCB stated that the ICC mandated only four flags to be shown on match days: those of the ICC (the organizing body), the PCB (the host), and the two teams playing on that specific day. Consequently, India’s flag will not be present at three venues in Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi) since India is not competing in Karachi, where the flag was noted as missing. Both India and Pakistan are placed in Group A for the Champions Trophy, alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh.

The tournament is set to kick off on February 19, with the inaugural match featuring Pakistan and New Zealand. India’s games will occur in Dubai, as the team was unable to obtain clearance for travel to Pakistan.