Champions Trophy: Indian flag hoisted at National Stadium in Karachi
What's the story
The Indian national flag was prominently displayed during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy opener at Pakistan's National Stadium in Karachi.
During the opening clash between New Zealand and Pakistan, India's tricolor waved high between the flags of Bangladesh and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, this comes after a viral video on X highlighted the absence of the Indian flag at the venue.
However, WION's correspondent in Pakistan, Anas Mallick, clarified that the video was from a recently concluded tri-nation series.
Flag protocol
PCB clarifies flag protocol for Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a clarification on the flag protocol for the Champions Trophy.
According to a PCB source, "The ICC has advised that only four (4) flags will be hoisted on CT25 match days - ICC (Event Authority), PCB (Event Host), and the two sides competing on that day."
This was said in response to speculations about why India's flag wasn't displayed at the venue.
Venue decision
India's Champions Trophy matches to be held in Dubai
India, under Rohit Sharma, won't be playing any of their Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, India will play all their matches in Dubai, according to the hybrid model.
All matches of the Indian team will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This comes after a long break of over a decade in bilateral series between India and Pakistan.
The last time India went to Pakistan for cricket was back in 2008 (Asia Cup).
Neutral grounds
ICC mandates neutral venues for India-Pakistan matches
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that all future India-Pakistan matches will be played at neutral venues.
The decision was made public in December 2024 when the ICC said, "India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue."
Meanwhile, the Indian team reached Dubai on February 15 to prepare for their first match against Bangladesh on February 20.
Security issues
Did India's security concerns lead to flag removal?
PCB had allegedly removed the Indian flag from the Karachi stadium after the Indian team raised security concerns.
Meanwhile, the BCCI had earlier informed the ICC of its decision after the Indian government denied clearance to the team to travel to Pakistan.
As mentioned, consequently, a hybrid model was adopted allowing India to play its matches in Dubai.
Official statement
PCB's response to social media controversy
As per a report in IANS, a PCB source said "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 the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore have hoisted flags of countries that are going to play at the said venues."
The source added videos from other grounds didn't show Bangladeshi fans either, as Bangladesh's team had not yet arrived in Pakistan.
Twitter Post
X post showing the Indian flag flying high
Indian flag flying high at Karachi 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/crO2CfceUx
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 19, 2025