PCB Breaks Silence on Indian Flag Issue Ahead of Champions Trophy

To everyone's surprise, the Indian flag was not there. This made fans respond strongly on social media. It was also argued that since India was playing all their Champion Trophy matches in Dubai, their flag was not seen in Karachi. As the discussion continued, PCB stated that ICC told them to put only four flags on match days.

PCB has told The Hindustan Times that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is the one who decided that only four flags will be raised on match days. It's very likely that you won't see India's flag at the three venues in Pakistan, because Rohit Sharma and his team won't be playing any matches in Karachi, Lahore, or Rawalpindi.

PCB Clarifies Flag Controversy

A PCB spokesperson explained to Hindustan Times, "The ICC has said that only four flags will be raised on match days at the Champions Trophy 2025. This includes the flag of the ICC as the event authority, the flag of the PCB as the host, and the flags of the two teams that are playing."

He added, "It’s really that simple."

According to the agreement, Pakistan will not travel to India for the Women’s World Cup 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 later this year. India and Pakistan have not shared direct ties since 2012-13, when Pakistan visited India for an ODI and T20I series.

India also visited Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, and the Men in Green visited India for the T20 World Cup in 2016 and the ODI World Cup in 2023. Since India is not reciprocating, Pakistan has also ruled out visiting India for the present cycle of ICC events. While Pakistan will host New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi as a lead-up to the Champions Trophy, India will play Bangladesh in their first match on February 20. Both sides, which are in Group A, will meet in a blockbuster encounter on February 23.