PCB Removes Indian Flag from Gaddafi Stadium Before ICC Champions Trophy 2025
PCB's decision to exclude the Indian flag from Gaddafi Stadium ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked controversy.
In a move that has sparked controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to not display the Indian flag at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
This decision has raised eyebrows, as it was expected that all eight participating teams, including India, would have their flags displayed in the stadium. However, the Indian flag was conspicuously missing, not only in Lahore but also at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Reason Behind the Move
The move is believed to be a response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, after failing to secure clearance from the Indian government.
In retaliation, the PCB has reportedly removed India’s flag from the stadiums. This comes after a series of discussions, which led to the agreement of a hybrid model. As per this model, India will play all of its Champions Trophy 2025 matches at the Dubai International Stadium (DIS) in Dubai, rather than in Pakistan.
The Build-Up to Champions Trophy 2025
With just two days left before the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 begins, the controversy over the missing flag has added to the tension. The tournament will kick off on February 19 with a match between host nation Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi.
However, the big match fans are waiting for will be on February 23, when India faces Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. The game is expected to be a full-house event, with both nations being heavy favorites to win the title. Market experts predict that the India-Pakistan clash will break all viewership records, as it always generates massive interest.
Pakistan, the defending champions of the Champions Trophy, are set to face their biggest challenge yet as they take on India in one of the most anticipated matchups in cricket history.
