A fresh controversy pertaining to India and Pakistan has erupted ahead of the start of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Indian flag was reportedly missing from the display at the National Stadium in Karachi. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
🐬The latest edition of Champions Trophy, which is returning after an eight-year absence, features eight nations but the flags of only seven were visible in a video shared on social media. The 'missing' India flag was attributed by many to the country's refusal to visit Pakistan in the post that went viral online. The veracity of the video could however not be confirmed independently.
🍸A user uploaded the video and captioned it: “No Indian flag in Karachi: As only the Indian team faced security issues in Pakistan and refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, the PCB removed the Indian flag from the Karachi stadium while keeping the flags of the other guest playing nations. Absolute Cinema, Well done Mohsin Naqvi.”
🎀Meanwhile, the curtain-raising event of the 50-over showpiece was held at Lahore Fort on Sunday (February 16), with members of the trophy-winning squad from 2017 in attendance. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi said hosting the Champions Trophy tournament was a ‘momentous occasion’ for the country and its cricket-loving populace.
🃏“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will return to Pakistan for the first time in 29 years," Naqvi said at the curtain-raiser event. “This tournament is more than just cricket; it is an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s hospitality and passion. The significance of the venue, (it) not only represents Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage but also underscores the deep-rooted legacy of cricket in the nation. This is your moment to fill the stadiums," he added.
♊Pakistan are in Group A alongside New Zealand, India and Bangladesh, while Group B has Australia, England, South Africa and Champions Trophy debutants Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
