PCB finally speaks about the missing Indian flag in Karachi

PCB claimed the ICC was responsible for no tri-colour ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently issued a clarification on the missing Indian flag in Karachi, days ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. PCB came up with an explanation after outrage erupted over the absence of the Indian flag at the National Stadium in Karachi ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. A video went viral on social media, showcasing the flags of competing nations being hoisted on the stadium’s roof. However, the Indian flag was nowhere to be seen.

PCB breaks silence on the missing Indian flag in Karachi.

India will be playing the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai after the team didn’t get permission from the concerned authorities to travel across the border. Many even believed that this was PCB’s retaliatory move. However, PCB has confirmed to the Hindustan Times news portal that the directive has come from the International Cricket Council (ICC), and only four flags will be hoisted on the match days. India’s flag, in all likelihood, will not be seen at the three venues in Pakistan as Rohit Sharma and his team aren’t playing a single match across the border in the 8-team tournament.

“ICC has advised that only four flags will be hoisted.”

A PCB spokesperson told the news portal, “The ICC has advised that only four flags will be hoisted on Champions Trophy 2025 match days – ICC (Event Authority), PCB (Event Host) and the two sides competing on that day. Simple.”

India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh are in Group A for the Champions Trophy. The tournament will begin on February 19, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. India will open its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium. The much-awaited India-Pakistan match will happen on February 23 in Dubai. Group B comprises England, Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan. The tournament’s semi-finals will happen on March 4 and 5, and the final will be played on March 9.