The Champions Trophy is set to make its grand return after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan hosting the eight-team tournament. However, controversy erupted ahead of the event when fans noticed that India's national flag was missing from the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, while flags of all other participating nations were displayed.

A viral video of the incident sparked speculation that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deliberately excluded the Indian flag in retaliation to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision to not send Team India to Pakistan. Due to security concerns and lack of government clearance, India opted to play their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model, a compromise reached after months of tense negotiations between BCCI, PCB, and ICC.

The Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off on February 19, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. India will begin their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for the weekend, promising intense competition.

The tournament features two groups: Group A includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The format ensures that the final venue will only be determined if India qualifies.

As the cricketing world gears up for the event, the flag controversy has already added an extra layer of drama, making the India-Pakistan rivalry even more heated.