Champions Trophy 2025: PCB seeks clarification from ICC over Indian national anthem fiasco in Lahore

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sought clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the Indian national anthem was momentarily played right before the Australia vs England clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday, February 22.

The blunder occurred when the teams had lined up for their respective national anthems prior to the match. The England national anthem was played first without any issues. However, when it was the time for the Australian national anthem to be played the Indian national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' was played for a couple of seconds before it was stopped. The Australian anthem soon followed.

The PCB is not happy about the incident and it has held the international governing body responsible for the same. As per a PCB official, quoted by ESPNcricinfo, the national anthem playlist is created and shared by the ICC with the latter being responsible for playing them on match days. The official also raised a point as to why the Indian national anthem was in the playlist in the first place when the team was not going to play any matches in Pakistan.

It has also been learnt that an event management company was responsible for playing the national anthem, presumably contracted by the ICC, and it is they who made the error.

Also Read - Watch: Indian National Anthem mistakenly played for Australia before Champions Trophy game vs England

Not the first instance of PCB being unhappy

The PCB, earlier in the week, was aggrieved after the broadcast for the Bangladesh vs India game on February 20 did not carry the word "Pakistan" in the top corner watermark denoting the tournament name and host. The PCB had asked the ICC to explain the matter as well with the latter stating that it was a technical glitch. The PCB, however, was not happy with the explanation and asked the ICC to ensure it did not happen again.

Speaking of the match between Australia and England, the Gaddafi Stadium saw a huge turnout. England posted a big total of 351/8 on the back of Ben Duckett's 165 off 143 balls. Australia, however, chased down the target comfortably in the end with Josh Inglis scoring 120* off 86 balls. This was the highest successful run chase in ICC ODI tournaments.