New Delhi: In a major change in stance, the Pakistan Cricket Board displayed the Indian national flag at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener between Pakistan and New Zealand. The latest development comes after a massive controversy erupted following a viral video showing the absence of the Indian flag at the Karachi stadium.
The incident sparked widespread debate and criticism as fans slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board for disrespecting India.
The Indian flag’s presence in Karachi reflects a clear change in the stance of the PCB after facing the backlash. India are not travelling to Pakistan for the tournament due to security concerns and will play its matches in Dubai under the hybrid model.
PCB reverses decision to display India flag
Responding to the queries, PCB defended the decision to omit the Indian flag, stating that it was following ICC directives to only display flags of participating teams on match days. However, after facing criticism from all corners, PCB changed its stance, and the Indian flag is now visible at the National Stadium.
🚨 #ICC_Champions_Trophy #Indian flag 🇮🇳flying high in #Karachi, #Pakistan 🔥 pic.twitter.com/NvBprGh4uk
— DR. AMIT MANOHAR (@dramitmanohar) February 19, 2025
The Indian flag is displayed at National Bank Stadium, Karachi. pic.twitter.com/kjAe9fKz5T
— junaiz (@dhillow_) February 19, 2025
The flag controversy comes amidst frosty relations between India and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered an early setback after losing their star opener Fakhar Zaman to injury in the first over of the tournament. The explosive batter suffered an injury on the second ball of the CT 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi, going down injured near the boundary rope while chasing a ball. He was subsequently taken off the field with visuals raising fears about his availability in the match and the tournament.
Fakhar had returned from a long injury lay-off in the recently concluded tri-series in Pakistan involving New Zealand and South Africa.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl in the tournament opener against the Kiwis.
Following a massive controversy which erupted after a viral video showed the absence of the Indian flag at the Karachi stadium, India’s pride was on display at the National Stadium. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
