The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has addressed concerns following the absence of the Indian national flag at Karachi's National Stadium in the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A viral video on social media showed flags of participating teams being hoisted atop the stadium, but the Indian flag was noticeably missing, prompting reactions from fans online.

Speculations emerged that India’s decision to play all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, instead of Pakistan, was the reason behind the absence of their flag. However, the PCB clarified the situation, attributing it to an advisory from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to a PCB representative speaking to India Today, the ICC instructed that only four flags would be displayed on match days: those of the ICC, PCB as the host, and the two teams competing on the day.

India’s matches in the tournament are scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium due to the Indian government’s decision not to permit the team to travel to Pakistan. Both the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reached an understanding with the ICC to hold fixtures involving the two nations at neutral venues when either country is the host.

This agreement also extends to future tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, during which Pakistan will not travel to India. The two countries have not played bilateral cricket since 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for a limited-overs series.

India and Pakistan are slated to face each other in a much-anticipated match on February 23 during the Champions Trophy. Pakistan will open the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, while India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. Both teams are grouped together in Group A of the eight-team competition.

Despite the flag controversy, excitement is building around the India-Pakistan clash, which remains one of the most awaited fixtures in international cricket.