The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is yet to begin, but controversy has already struck. In what many are calling a deliberate provocation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has excluded the Indian flag from Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, even as flags of all seven other participating nations were prominently displayed.

This bold and controversial move has sparked outrage among Indian fans, with many calling it a clear message from PCB in response to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. While India has opted to play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, PCB’s latest act raises serious questions about the intent behind this omission.

The development has further soured the already fragile cricketing relations between India and Pakistan, bringing off-field politics into what was supposed to be a global cricketing spectacle.

PCB’s Omission: A Political Statement or an Innocent Mistake?

Footage from Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, surfaced on social media, showing flags of all competing teams except India. The videos quickly went viral, triggering a massive backlash.

Many fans and experts believe this is a calculated move by PCB, deliberately designed to snub India and assert dominance as the host nation.

Social Media Reactions and Accusations

🔥 “This is a direct insult to India! If PCB can’t even display a flag, why is the ICC letting them host a global event?” – Angry fan on Twitter.

🔥 “Another political stunt by PCB. This is why cricket in Pakistan remains a mess. Cricket should unite, not divide!” – Indian cricket analyst.

🔥 “First, they threatened to pull out of the Champions Trophy. Now they refuse to acknowledge India’s participation? What a disgrace.” – Former Indian cricketer’s reaction.

Amidst the online firestorm, PCB has yet to issue an official response, further fueling speculation that this was no oversight but an intentional political stunt.

India vs PCB: A Rivalry That Goes Beyond Cricket

Tensions between BCCI and PCB have reached new heights in recent months. After months of diplomatic wrangling, India refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns.

The ICC then approved a hybrid model, allowing India to play its matches in Dubai, but the PCB was not happy with this decision. At one point, they even threatened to withdraw from hosting the tournament entirely.

Many believe that excluding the Indian flag from Gaddafi Stadium is PCB’s way of hitting back at BCCI and sending a clear message that India is not welcome in Pakistan.

Champions Trophy 2025: Full Tournament Schedule

The Champions Trophy 2025 will officially begin on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi.

India’s Group Stage Matches (All in Dubai):

India has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B features Australia, England, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.

The tournament final venue will only be decided if India qualifies, leaving open the possibility of a high-voltage India-Pakistan final on neutral ground.

The India vs Pakistan Showdown – More Than Just a Cricket Match

The India vs Pakistan match on February 23 in Dubai is set to be one of the most highly anticipated encounters in cricket history.

Past ICC Encounters:

With India refusing to play in Pakistan and PCB refusing to display India’s flag, this match will now be more than just a game—it’s a battle of pride, power, and politics.

Will ICC Take Action? Can PCB Get Away With This?

The ICC, as the governing body of international cricket, must now decide whether to intervene in this growing controversy.

Some possibilities include:

1. ICC Forcing PCB to Display India’s Flag – The ICC may direct PCB to include India’s flag at all venues as part of their hosting obligations.
2. No Action from ICC, Further Political Fallout – If ICC stays silent, it could be viewed as a failure to uphold neutrality, leading to further deterioration of India-Pakistan cricketing relations.
3. BCCI’s Response – Diplomatic Protest? – The BCCI may lodge an official complaint, which could escalate tensions even further.

Regardless of what happens, the damage has already been done. PCB’s actions, whether intentional or not, have ensured that the Champions Trophy 2025 will not start without controversy.

Cricket or Politics? The Champions Trophy Begins with Drama

With no Indian flag at Gaddafi Stadium, PCB has ensured that the controversy surrounding India’s absence in Pakistan remains the focal point.

Whether this was a deliberate political move or a genuine oversight, the fact remains that cricket is once again being overshadowed by off-field drama.

The India vs Pakistan clash on February 23 now carries more weight than ever, as it is no longer just about cricket—it’s about pride, rivalry, and a growing rift between two of cricket’s most powerful boards.

Is PCB deliberately provoking India, or is this just an administrative blunder? Should ICC intervene? 🔥👇