PCB Faces Backlash as Indian Anthem Plays in Lahore!

The mix-up occurred at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where the highly anticipated Champions Trophy match between Australia and England was set to take place. As part of the pre-match formalities, national anthems of the competing teams were scheduled to be played. However, in a shocking oversight, the Indian national anthem was broadcast instead. The moment left players, match officials, and spectators bewildered, with confusion evident among the teams as they awaited their respective anthems.

The error was quickly corrected, but not before it was caught on live broadcast and social media platforms, where clips of the incident went viral. Within minutes, cricket enthusiasts and political commentators began dissecting the mishap, questioning how such a significant oversight could occur on an international stage.


The mistake did not go unnoticed by cricket fans, both in Pakistan and abroad. Social media platforms, especially Twitter and Facebook, were flooded with reactions, memes, and criticisms aimed at the PCB. Many questioned the professionalism of the board, calling for accountability over the blunder. Some users speculated whether it was a technical glitch or a human error, while others took a more critical stance, accusing the PCB of negligence in organizing a major ICC event.

Pakistani sports journalists and media houses also picked up the story, with prominent news channels running segments on the controversy. Various experts weighed in on the issue, debating the possible causes and the implications for the PCB’s credibility in managing international cricket tournaments.

Acknowledging the mistake, the PCB issued a formal apology, explaining that the anthem mix-up was an unintended technical error. A spokesperson for the board stated that an internal inquiry had been launched to determine how the error occurred and to ensure such mistakes are not repeated in future tournaments. The board assured fans and stakeholders that corrective measures were being taken to avoid similar mishaps in future international matches.

In its official statement, the PCB expressed regret for any unintended offence caused by the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 with the highest standards of professionalism. While the apology was meant to pacify critics, it did little to quell the outrage among cricket enthusiasts who demanded stricter accountability.


This incident has once again put the PCB under scrutiny regarding its handling of international cricket events. Critics argue that such a mistake reflects poorly on the organisation, raising questions about its capability to manage high-profile tournaments efficiently. With Pakistan set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, ensuring smooth operations and avoiding such embarrassments is crucial for maintaining the nation’s credibility as a host.

Experts suggest that the PCB should implement stricter checks and rehearsals to prevent similar mishaps. In high-profile international events, attention to detail is paramount, and technical teams must be well-prepared to handle every aspect of match day presentations. Ensuring that national anthems are played correctly is a fundamental aspect of international sporting etiquette, and errors of this magnitude can have diplomatic and reputational consequences.


This is not the first time a national anthem blunder has taken place in sports. Several instances in the past have seen similar mix-ups, leading to controversies and diplomatic tensions.

For instance, during the 2012 Olympics in London, the South Korean flag was mistakenly displayed instead of North Korea’s during a women’s football match, causing outrage. Similarly, in 2016, the wrong national anthem was played for a Kazakhstan athlete at an international event, sparking controversy.

While such mistakes are often attributed to human error, they highlight the importance of thorough planning and verification in international sporting events. Organising committees and broadcasting teams must ensure rigorous quality control to prevent such incidents from occurring.


The mistake also holds significance due to the historical and political tensions between India and Pakistan. Given the long-standing cricketing rivalry between the two nations, any event that involves India in Pakistan is closely scrutinized. While this was clearly an unintentional error, it inevitably invited political undertones, with some critics using the incident to question PCB’s handling of national prestige in an international setting.

Certain political commentators and former cricketers expressed disappointment, stating that such mistakes should not occur at this level. However, others took a more measured approach, emphasising that while the mistake was embarrassing, it should not be over-politicized, and the focus should remain on improving event management.


The PCB must take this incident as a wake-up call to strengthen its operational and technical protocols. Key steps that can be taken include:

The accidental playing of the Indian national anthem in Lahore ahead of the Australia vs. England Champions Trophy match has put the PCB in a difficult position, drawing criticism and raising concerns over its event management capabilities. While the PCB has acknowledged and apologised for the error, the incident underscores the need for greater vigilance in handling international sporting events. With Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy 2025, ensuring a flawless execution of all aspects of tournament management is essential for maintaining credibility and respect on the global stage.