In the run-up to the commencement of ICC Champions Trophy, a fresh wave of controversy arose when a video portraying the lack of Indian flags at the National Stadium, according to fans on social media, surfaced online from Karachi. Even though the other flags were hanging at the venue of the participating nations in the Champions Trophy, the Indian flag was missing. The visual stunned a few fans on social media and sparked a discussion. The real reason for having no Indian flag is still a mystery but it could have something to do with the fact that it is indeed a Dubai venue for all matches of Indian national teams from the Champions Trophy.
Cricket matches involving New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and England will be played in the Karachi Stadium. Just before the event kicked off, spectators saw moving shots from the venue where flags of the participating nations were flying. Fans were left wondering about the act that the Pakistan Cricket Board did.
The Indian team refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, and it was this decision that forced the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council to convert the tournament to hybrid mode.
Accordingly, India will play all their matches, including a possible semi-final and final, in Dubai if it qualifies. Besides, as a settlement reached with BCCI, PCB, and ICC, even the Pakistan cricket team would not play its matches in the ICC events that India will be hosting in the coming years.
