Pakistan Blames This For National Anthem Blunder During Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the blunder of playing India’s national anthem during the Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Australia and England on February 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The incident was another chapter in the controversial book of the tournament, which has grabbed so many of these even before its beginning.

Pakistan played India’s national anthem during the England vs Australia encounter

Australia’s captain, Steve Smith, won the toss and decided to bowl first on a solid batting surface, expecting the dew to make a late appearance in the evening, which would make the chasing a bit easier towards the end.

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Both sides lined up for the national side. ‘God Save The King’ of England was the first one to take place. After it ended, Australia’s national anthem was scheduled to begin. But the authorities made a mistake and played India’s national song as the crowd in Pakistan erupted in shock.

The fans in the stadium raised their voice as the people in charge realized their mistake and stopped the song immediately. They were quick to understand their mistake and later played the right song, Advance Australia Flair. The ICC kept an eye on the entire process, as the game later started without any more hindrance.

PCB criticizes ICC for national anthem fiasco

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has criticized the ICC and demanded an explanation from the governing for the devastating mistake. As NDTV reports, the PCB has written a letter to the ICC outlining the incident and calling for an explanation.

“The PCB has made it clear that the ICC needs to offer some explanation as their people are responsible for the (national anthem) playlist of teams in the Champions Trophy.” The reports have claimed as NDTV quoted.

“Since India is not playing in Pakistan, it is hard to understand how their anthem was played by mistake from the playlist.” The statement addressed.

A list of controversies has already taken place before the eight-team tournament began. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) penned a letter to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC on their decision not to travel to the other side of the border.

The PCB wasn’t ready to accept the hybrid model at any cost as the chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, fought till the last moment. But later, the ICC concluded. They gave Rohit Sharma’s army the chance to play the entire tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

ICC to rectify watermark after PCB’s complain

The PCB and ICC were also at loggerheads over the absence of ‘Pakistan’ in the watermark in the graphic during the first two games of the Champions Trophy. The ICC has admitted the error and promised the board to correct the matter.

Also Read: Axar Patel Demands This From Rohit Sharma Openly After India Captain's Drop Catch

The logo carried three-line branding on the top left of the live feed. After being pointed out that ‘Pakistan’ missing during the broadcast of India and Bangladesh’s clash in Dubai, the ICC claimed that the logo was wordy and the three-line branding was too lengthy. However, they have decided to use the three-line graphic in the last few games.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led side faces India on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A win for Rohit Sharma’s army will qualify them for the semifinal of the event, while Mohammad Rizwan's army can get out of the competition with a defeat.