Australia captain Steve Smith (Left) shakes hand with England captain Jos Butler after the toss for his or her ICC Champions Trophy conflict at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, February 22, 2025. — ICC
KARACHI: The Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) got here beneath scrutiny after India’s nationwide anthem was mistakenly performed throughout the Australia-England conflict within the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore on Saturday.
Sources mentioned the incident prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to hunt clarification from the cricket governing physique.
The controversy unfolded simply earlier than the beginning of the Australia-England match when, as an alternative of Australia’s anthem, India’s anthem blared for just a few moments.
The ICC, chargeable for managing and executing all features of the event, confronted criticism for the oversight.
Sources mentioned that the playlist for the Champions Trophy was ready by the ICC and included the anthems of all taking part groups, together with India’s, regardless of them not taking part in any matches in Pakistan.
The PCB has formally contacted the ICC, demanding an evidence for the error. “Not only Pakistan but everyone deserves an explanation for this mistake,” a supply mentioned whereas referring to PCB’s message to the ICC.
The ICC, which oversees the organisation and execution of every facet of the event, has but to challenge an official assertion.
India refused to journey to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing authorities recommendation and might be taking part in all their matches in Dubai, kicking off their Group A marketing campaign with a six-wicket victory in opposition to Bangladesh.
Two days earlier, the printed of the Group A fixture between India and Bangladesh in Dubai didn’t function the host nation Pakistan’s title within the official emblem of the event, resulting in widespread speculations.
In the meantime, an ICC official clarified {that a} “technical glitch” was chargeable for it. The spokesperson additional ensured that the entire upcoming Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, will function the host nation’s title within the emblem throughout the broadcast.
“The omission was due to a graphics-related technical issue, which will be rectified from tomorrow. It was not possible to change the logo during the match.”
