February 17, 2025: A video showing the absence of the Indian flag at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan, ahead of the Champions Trophy has sparked controversy on social media. The viral video shows flags of all participating teams except India, raising questions among cricket fans.

During ICC events, it is customary to display the flags of all competing nations at each venue. However, the missing Indian tricolor has left many puzzled. The authenticity of the video is yet to be verified, but the footage has already fueled debates online.

Speculation suggests that the absence of the Indian flag may be due to India's matches being scheduled in Dubai instead of Pakistan. The Indian government had earlier denied permission for the team to travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns. As a result, all of India's games, including the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23, will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Indian team arrived in Dubai on February 15 and has begun training. Players, including star pacer Mohammed Shami and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, were seen in action. However, Pant suffered a minor blow from an aggressive shot by Hardik Pandya during practice.

With India's opening match against Bangladesh set for February 20, all eyes remain on the tournament’s developments, including the controversy surrounding the missing flag in Karachi.