The tensions between the two neighbours, India and Pakistan, once again came in the forefront after the host refused to display India’s flag in the Karachi Stadium ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. The marquee tournament features a total of eight teams. However, in a recently surfaced video, it is seen that only seven flags are displayed. The Indian tricolor was nowhere to be seen, sparking controversies regarding the tournament. Several images and videos regarding the issue have been circulated, triggering rage amongst fans. Some question whether such a hostile move was meant to provoke India or not. While other participating nations, including England, Australia, and South Africa, had their flags displayed, India’s absence was glaring. Many believe this is a petty and childish act by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), showing their unwillingness to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. No Indian flag in Karachi: As only the Indian team faced security issues in Pakistan and refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, the PCB removed the Indian flag from the Karachi stadium while keeping the flags of the other guest playing nations.- Absolute Cinema,… pic.twitter.com/2zmcATn7iQ — Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) February 16, 2025 The controversy actually started after India decided not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had already announced that India would play all their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model. However, India too, earlier had denied having the host’s name on their jersey, until the ICC intervened in the matter and forced India to obey the rules. Pakistan, instead of handling the cold situation maturely, seems to have chosen to pour more ice into the matter. Read also: Dubai’s Fresh Pitches Set to Shape India’s Champions Trophy Run An Act of Revenge from Pakistan? Many believe that this move by PCB is nothing but an immature retaliation. Pakistan had previously threatened to boycott the tournament if India refused to tour. However, after the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved India’s request to play in Dubai, Pakistan had no choice but to accept the hybrid model other than making the ICC agree to their clause of not traveling to India for any ICC tournament. The removal of India’s flag now appears to be their way of venting frustration. Cricket, often called a gentleman’s game, has been overshadowed by neighbours’ political insecurities. Such petty actions not only tarnish the game’s reputation but also expose the inability to separate sports from politics. With the tournament set to begin on February 19, Pakistan’s actions have already cast a shadow over the event. If the ICC will ever intervene in this pity cause is yet to be known. Meanwhile, India is set to begin their Champions Trophy campaign with a match against Bangladesh on February 20. Following this, they will face Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2.