There has been a social media backlash after Karachi’s National Stadium, where matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 19 will be held, was the subject of a released video. The video drew controversy after the Indian flag, it appeared, was not put alongside those of other participating nations, and there was criticism targeting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly expressing displeasure at India’s withdrawal from the tournament.
The fans publicized the complaints on social media and considered it an insult to India that their flag was not being hoisted along with others. In response to that, the PCB tried to defuse the tensions and made it clear that it was only the flags of countries which were being raised in stadiums.
A PCB source explained, “India is not visiting Pakistan to play its matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Hence, flags have been raised only for teams playing at venues such as the National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.”
When asked to explain India’s and Bangladesh’s missing flags, the source elaborated, “The Indian side will be hosting their matches in Dubai, and the Bangladesh team has not arrived in Pakistan as yet because they will first play India in Dubai. So, their flags are not being displayed. The other countries who have arrived and will play in Pakistan, their flags are being shown.”
The PCB asserted that no official statement was required on the issue, referring to the fact that the controversy was a result of a social media video with the intent to mislead. “This controversy is unfounded and intended to tarnish the image of Pakistan with disinformation,” the source continued.
Different stadiums within Pakistan will receive different teams throughout the Champions Trophy, and flags will be hoisted to welcome them. Despite the political differences and security challenges that led to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) deciding not to play in Pakistan, the PCB is eager to host a successful tournament. The ICC has pursued a hybrid strategy, whereby India will play all its games in Dubai.
With the Champions Trophy back after a break of eight years, defending champion Pakistan aims to demonstrate its capability to host international cricket competitions for the first time since it co-hosted the 1996 World Cup. Posters of all the countries’ captains, including India, adorn cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, proclaiming the PCB’s slogan of politics being forgotten in the domain of sport.
