A new controversy has started just before the ICC Champions Trophy, as a video on social media shows that the Indian flag is missing at the National Stadium in Karachi. The video, which quickly became viral, shows flags of all other teams displayed at the stadium, but India’s Tiranga is not visible. This has shocked fans and led to a big discussion on social media. However, the video’s authenticity has not been confirmed.
The exact reason for the absence of the Indian flag is still unclear, but many believe it is because the Indian team is not playing any matches in Pakistan. Due to political tensions and safety concerns, the BCCI decided on a hybrid model where Team India will play all its matches in Dubai.
The National Stadium in Karachi will host matches of teams like New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and England.
Earlier, similar claims were made about Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where an event was organized before the tournament. Reports say that flags of seven teams were displayed, but India’s flag was missing. A video of this also went viral.
Pakistan, the defending champions, won the last Champions Trophy in 2017 and are now hosting the tournament for the first time. This will be the first ICC Champions Trophy after eight years. According to the hybrid model, India will play all group-stage matches in Dubai, and if they qualify, their semi-final and final matches will also happen in Dubai.
The tournament will begin on February 19, with host Pakistan playing against New Zealand in Karachi. Meanwhile, India’s much-awaited match against Pakistan is scheduled for the weekend, making it one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
