The Indian national flag was ultimately displayed at the National Stadium in Karachi on the eve of the Champions Trophy's commencement, following a significant backlash on social media triggered by the actions of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Just days prior to the ICC tournament in Pakistan, a controversy arose when a video surfaced showing the Gaddafi Stadium adorned with flags of all participating nations, with the notable exception of India.

The PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been in conflict regarding the Champions Trophy for several months leading up to the event, particularly after the BCCI informed the ICC that the Indian government had not granted permission for the team, led by Rohit Sharma, to travel to Pakistan. With the ICC supporting the BCCI in light of the unrest in Islamabad last December, and despite PCB's threats to withdraw from the tournament, the PCB was compelled to implement a hybrid model, designating Dubai as the neutral venue for all matches involving India.

As the video gained traction online, fans speculated that the PCB's omission of India's flag was a deliberate act of retaliation against the BCCI's stance. However, on Tuesday, the Indian flag was finally displayed at the National Stadium in Karachi, which is set to host the opening match of the Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand on Wednesday.

What did PCB say on Indian flag controversy?

PCB addressed the ongoing controversy on the same day the video gained widespread attention, stating that it was in accordance with an ICC directive.

"A PCB official informed Hindustan Times that the ICC has mandated the display of only four flags on the match days of the Champions Trophy 2025: the ICC (Event Authority), PCB (Event Host), and the two competing teams for that day. It is straightforward," the official remarked.

In contrast, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla expressed the view that the Indian flag should have been included among the displayed flags.

"Firstly, it needs to be confirmed whether the Indian flag was present. If it was not, it should have been displayed. The flags of all participating nations ought to be represented," Rajeev Shukla stated to Livemint during the Restaurant Cricket League event in Delhi on Tuesday.

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