synopsis

India tri-colour flag was seen atop of the Karachi Stadium after the controversy erupted when the video went viral on social media, where the flag was visibly missing despite flags of seven other participating nations were on display,

During the Champions Trophy 2025 opener between Pakistan and New Zealand, the Indian flag was spotted flying high at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19. 

India tri-colour flag was seen atop of the Karachi Stadium after the controversy erupted when the video went viral on social media, where the flag was visibly missing despite flags of seven other participating nations were on display, sparking criticism from fans and cricket experts. 

Also read: 'BCCI tantrums never end': Saqlain Mushtaq urges Pakistan to teach India a lesson in CT 2025 clash (WATCH)

Pakistan Cricket Board faced severe backlash and criticism for their failure to uphold the spirit of the game. Many feel that Team India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 and play all their matches could be the reason behind PCB deciding not to put up the Indian flag at the top of the Karachi Stadium.

After severe backlash and criticism from the Indian cricket fans and former Indian cricketers, the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to put up the Indian flag on top of the Karachi Stadium. The picture went viral on social media, where the Indian flag can be seen flying high in Karachi.

The Indian cricket fans were happy to see the Indian flag flying high at the Karachi Stadium, but at the same time they also trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board for only putting up the flag after receiving criticism and backlash. 

Here’s fans reacted to Indian flag display at the Karachi Stadium 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was very adamant on its stance on not sending Team India to Pakistan due to concerns. The BCCI and PCB were at loggerheads as the latter board stated that the tournament would go ahead even if India would not participate in it. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) stepped in and held a meeting between two cricketing boards in order to break the deadlock. The deadlock was finally resolved after several rounds of meetings and extensive negotiations between ICC, PCB, and BCCI. The agreement came after Pakistan's demand for a hybrid model for the 2026 T20 World Cup was agreed by India, the host of the tournament.

What was the reason for not putting up the Indian flag at Karachi stadium? 

Though India are playing all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, still they are among the eight participating nations of the tournament. Amid the controversy, PCB spokesperson clarified that the board received direction from the ICC that only four flags should be hoisted, ICC, two teams playing on the day, and PCB. 

“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, the PCB maintained, was the reason for the missing Indian flag.” PCB spokesperson told Hindustan Times. 

India and Pakistan will take on each other in a much-anticipated clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23. The encounter is expected to have the stadium full house as all the tickets were sold out within a  few minutes after it went online three weeks before the clash.

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