Many Bangladesh fans on social media took offense to the visiting Pakistani team hoisting their national flag on the ground during practice sessions in Mirpur ahead of the three-match T20I series.

The fans saw the move as a political message ahead of the golden jubilee celebrations of the nation's independence. Bangladesh had gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 and the Pakistani national flag during practice caused a huge commotion on social media.

The Pakistan team management on Thursday said that hoisting the country's flag during training sessions is something that was introduced by interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq.

The manager also noted that the Pakistan flag had been used during training sessions regularly since Saqlain took charge. It had happened during the home series preparations against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup.

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The media manager of the Pakistan team also issued a clarification during a media interaction held by Pakistani captain Babar Azam and said: "It is nothing new for us. It is part of the coaching philosophy of Saqlain Mushtaq since he joined the team. He feels by putting up the flag it serves as an inspiration and motivation for the players."

However, the PCB has gone into damage control mode as soon as the controversy erupted and said they started the practice of putting up the national flag during practice sessions two months ago.

Babar Azam also tried to downplay the situation by saying that there was plenty of support for the Pakistan team in Bangladesh.

"They not only support their team but they also cheer us up. Whenever we have gone out for training the people cheer us when they see us in the bus. That is why it's good that 50 percent of spectators have been allowed for our T20 series.

I look for perfection day by day because after every match you get to learn something new and the learning process never stops. I look at every match I have played and learn from what has happened,” the Pakistan captain said.

(PTI inputs)