As the much-anticipated Champions Trophy approaches, controversy has emerged just two days before its commencement. The Indian flag was noticeably absent from the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, despite the flags of the other participating countries being displayed. The event, which will see Pakistan host the eight-nation tournament, is set to kick off on Wednesday, and this missing flag incident has sparked conversations among fans.

During an event at the venue on Sunday, February 16, attendees pointed out that while the flags of the seven other teams were present, the Indian flag was not. Fans speculated that this was a response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan due to lack of government clearance.

Meanwhile, India will not play on the slow and worn-out pitches in Dubai but instead will compete on two fresh 22-yard tracks prepared for the high-profile side. Following a hybrid model adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), India will play all their league matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). They will face Bangladesh on February 20, Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2.

Pakistan, the defending champions, will begin their campaign against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, before traveling to Dubai to take on India, and returning to Rawalpindi to face Bangladesh on February 27.

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