After an eight-year hiatus, the Champions Trophy is set to make its much-anticipated return, with Pakistan hosting the prestigious ICC event. The last edition in 2017 saw Pakistan claim the title and now, as defending champions, they are gearing up to welcome seven other teams for the tournament, which begins on Wednesday.
However, just days before the tournament’s commencement, a controversy arose at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. During an event at the venue, the spectators noticed that while the flags of the seven other participating nations were prominently displayed, India’s tricolor was missing. The absence of the Indian flag quickly became the talk of the town, with videos of the scene circulating widely on social media.
Here is the video:
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Many speculated that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to exclude the Indian flag was a response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s refusal to send the national team to Pakistan for the tournament. After prolonged discussions and disagreements between the two boards, with the PCB even threatening to withdraw from the competition, a compromise was reached with the International Cricket Council.
India’s matches were shifted to Dubai under a hybrid model, ensuring their participation without traveling to Pakistan. The location for the knockout stages and the final will only be determined based on India’s progress in the tournament.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will officially commence on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. India’s first match is set for Thursday against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. The most anticipated clash, featuring arch-rivals India and Pakistan, is scheduled for the weekend, promising to be a highlight of the group stage.
The tournament is divided into two groups. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Australia, South Africa, England and Afghanistan. Group B matches will begin on Friday, with Afghanistan, led by Rashid Khan, taking on South Africa in Karachi.
As excitement builds for the return of the tournament, all eyes will be on the high-stakes matches and the potential for further drama on and off the field.
