The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently dismissed the controversy behind the lack of the Indian flag at Karachi’s National Stadium ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Social media had run a viral clip of all country flags that had participated except that of India.
PCB Breaks Silence On Not Hoisting Indian Flag
As a response to the outcry, the PCB issued a clarification that India’s matches will be held in Dubai. Contrary to reports that the PCB had consciously left out India’s flag, the board assured The Hindustan Times that the four flags on match days decision was actually a decision made by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
ICC Advises To Hoist Only 4 Flags
“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,” a PCB spokesperson told Hindustan Times.
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What Did Mohsin Naqvi Say?
“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport,” the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in an official statement.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket,” he added.
India’s Matches To Be Held In Dubai
As India has no matches lined up in Karachi, Lahore, or Rawalpindi, their flag will not be seen at these grounds. India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh are placed in Group A for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 with the first match between Pakistan and New Zealand.
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India’s opening match of Champions Trophy is on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium, while the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match is on February 23. It is important to note that all of India’s matches will be held in Dubai.
