WATCH: Indian flag absence at Karachi stadium ignites controversy ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

The Champions Trophy is just two days away and the tournament is set to begin at the National Stadium in Karachi, with the hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand. This is set to be one of the most historic events since the Asian nation will be hosting its first ICC event since the 1996 World Cup.

There was already a lot of controversy between the BCCI and the PCB on security issues. This is also why India will be playing all their matches in Dubai in the upcoming event starting from February 20. Besidss, some reports also suggested that there were some differences between the two boards, as the PCB was trying its best to get the Men in Blue to play in Pakistan. However, the BCCI was not willing to take the risk due to the security issues in the nation. In the end, the ICC decided on a hybrid model where India will be playing all their games in Dubai.

While it was believed that all the uncertainties around the event is finally over, a video has been circulating on social media where ahead of the Champions Trophy, the National Stadium had all the team’s flags waving on top of the stadium except the Indian flag. This video has now triggered a new controversy between the fans and it now seems that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might still be having problems with the Indian apex board for opting out from playing matches in Pakistan. 

Check out the viral video of Indian flag missing:

The India-Pakistan Champions Trophy rivalry

Though India has got the better of Pakistan in the World Cups the Champions Trophy has been an interesting story. The two have faced each other five times in the tournament so far and the first game between the two was played in 2004, where the Green Shirts won the first game.

Unlike the World Cups Pakistan just about holds the edge over India winning three of the five encounters. The last time the two teams met was in the last edition in 2017, where Pakistan beat India in the finals to win their maiden Champions Trophy title.