Champions Trophy 2025: PCB Address Controversy Around Absence of Indian Flag at Gaddafi Stadium

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to the controversy surrounding the absence of the Indian flag at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The issue arose after a video circulated on social media showing flags of participating nations, except India, displayed at the stadium.

The tournament, scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, will be hosted in Pakistan, with India playing its matches in Dubai under a hybrid model due to political tensions and security concerns. The controversy ignited a heated debate, with some accusing the PCB of politicizing the event.

However, the PCB clarified its stance, stating that flags were only hoisted for teams playing in Pakistan. A PCB source explained to IANS, "As you know, India is not coming to Pakistan to play its matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025."

The source added, "The National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore have hoisted flags of countries that are going to play at the said venues." The absence of the Indian flag is linked to the decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

BCCI agreed to play all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, citing security concerns and political tensions. This has led to a hybrid tournament model, where Pakistan will host matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, while Dubai will serve as the neutral venue for India's games.

The PCB source further clarified, "The Indian team is going to play its matches in Dubai. Secondly, the Bangladesh team has not yet arrived in Pakistan and will be playing its first match against India in Dubai. Therefore, their flags have not been hoisted. The other nations who have arrived here and will be playing in Pakistan... their flags are there at the stadium."

PCB Dismisses Social Media Controversy

The PCB dismissed the controversy as baseless and politically motivated. "I don't think PCB needs to even give an official statement on this. It's clear that the controversy is made without facts and aims to damage host Pakistan's image with fake news," the source added.

Despite the political rivalry, the PCB insisted that the event would be conducted in the true spirit of sportsmanship, emphasizing that banners in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi feature captains of all participating nations, including India. As the Champions Trophy makes its return after an eight-year hiatus, Pakistan is set to host the ICC event for the first time since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup.