The Indian flag was hoisted on the roof of the National Stadium in Karachi during the opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand on Wednesday (February 19). The two sides are in Group A, which also includes India and Bangladesh.

A few days ago, a major controversy erupted in the build-up to the tournament after a video from the stadium went viral showing flags of seven of the eight participating nations apart from India. However, the tri-colour was spotted on the roof of the venue for the first match of the tournament.

The India-Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 Controversy

For those unversed, the 2025 Champions Trophy is the first ICC tournament Pakistan is hosting since the 1996 World Cup. However, the competition had to be converted into a hybrid model after India refused to travel to their neighbouring nation. The Men in Blue have not played any cricket on Pakistan soil since the 2008 Asia Cup.

India will be playing all three league stage games, including the blockbuster clash against Pakistan in Dubai. The first semi-final will also take place at the Dubai International Stadium on March 4. If the Men in Blue qualify for the summit clash, the final will be shifted away from Lahore to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Earlier, there were also suggestions that India's jersey would not feature Pakistan's name on it. However, the Men in Blue revealed their playing kit during the ICC photoshoot, which features the official tournament logo that has Pakistan's name on it.

Talking about the match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first. The Men in Green made a positive start to the match as Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf got the wickets of Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Dary Mitchell in the opening 20 overs before the Black Caps crossed the 100 mark.

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