After an eight-year break, the Champions Trophy is about to return, with Pakistan winning the last edition in 2017. In addition to being the reigning champions, Pakistan is also the host country for the eight-team ICC competition, which kicks off on Wednesday. Ahead of the mega tournament, PCB's step has sparked a massive controversy. The Indian flag was absent from the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the event, although the flags of seven other teams, including Pakistan, were visible.
PCB sparks another controversy
Fans observed that the tricolour of India was absent from the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, despite the presence of the flags of all seven of the other Champions Trophy competing teams. On social media, the footage of it went viral right away. Supporters conjectured that the PCB was reacting to the BCCI's (Board of Control for Cricket in India) decision to not send the Indian squad to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy because of security concerns and not receiving approval from their government.
India chose to play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai as part of a hybrid format after reaching an agreement with the ICC following months of back and forth between the two boards, which even included the PCB threatening to withdraw from the tournament. This also means that the venue for the final will be decided only if India qualify for the championship match.
Pakistan and New Zealand will play the inaugural match at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19, marking the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Along with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, India has been assigned to Group A. India will play their first match against Bangladesh on February 20.
India's final match is against New Zealand on Sunday, March 2, and the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match is scheduled on Sunday, February 23. In the previous two Champions Trophy tournaments, the Men in Blue advanced to the finals and won in 2013 and 2017, respectively, before losing to Pakistan in the championship match.