Wed Feb 19 01:50:00 UTC 2025: **India Flag Missing at Pakistan Cricket Tournament Sparks Controversy**
KARACHI, PAKISTAN – A controversy has erupted ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the Indian flag notably absent from a display of participating nations’ flags at Karachi’s National Stadium. A viral video showing flags of all teams except India’s sparked outrage, particularly among Indian officials.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla criticized the organizers, stating that the Indian flag should have been included alongside those of other competing nations. He emphasized the mandatory inclusion of all participating nations’ flags in ICC tournaments. While promotional materials and billboards in Pakistan featured the Indian team, the apparent exclusion of the flag at the stadium has raised eyebrows.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deflected responsibility, claiming the decision to display only four flags on match days (ICC, PCB, and the two competing teams) came directly from the ICC. This means the Indian flag will not be present at any of the tournament venues.
This incident comes amidst ongoing tension between the BCCI and PCB regarding the tournament’s hybrid model, which sees India playing its matches in Dubai due to security concerns. Despite this, the Indian team’s presence is heavily promoted elsewhere in Pakistan. The tournament begins in just two days.
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