PCB reveals why Indian flag is missing from Pakistan stadiums
What's the story
Ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has explained why Indian flags are missing in Pakistani stadiums.
Only those nations that have arrived and are scheduled to play their matches in Pakistan, have their flags hoisted at the venues, PCB officials said.
This comes after a social media uproar over videos of seven countries' flags at Karachi's National Bank Stadium, with India's flag missing.
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.
Controversy dismissal
PCB dismisses need for official statement
Dismissing the need for an official statement on this matter, the PCB source said that the controversy was unfounded and aimed at damaging Pakistan's image with false information.
"I don't think PCB needs to even give an official statement on this. It's clear that the controversy is made without facts and aims to damage host Pakistan's image with fake news," the source added.
Venue details
India's matches to be held in UAE
The 2025 Champions Trophy is hosted by Pakistan. However, owing to security concerns, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chosen for its matches to be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This was part of a hybrid model agreement between the BCCI, PCB and International Cricket Council (ICC).
Hence, Indian flags aren't hoisted at Pakistani venues.
Tournament arrangements
Champions Trophy preparations in full swing
Despite the controversy, preparations for the Champions Trophy are in full swing in Pakistan.
The cities of Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, which will host the matches, have already put up banners of captains from all participating nations including India.
This is being seen as a gesture of goodwill and sportsmanship toward all teams participating in the tournament.
Controversy
Absence of Indian flag at Karachi stadium sparks controversy
The absence of the Indian flag at Karachi's National Bank Stadium, a venue for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has triggered a controversy.
A video circulating on social media platform X displayed no Indian flag hoisted at the stadium.
However, WION's correspondent in Pakistan, Anas Mallick, clarified that the video was from a recently concluded tri-nation series involving Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand.