Ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy clash between England and Australia in Lahore on Saturday, February 22, both teams assembled for their respective national anthems. However, in an unexpected turn of events, India’s national anthem was briefly played over the loudspeaker, leaving both players and spectators surprised.
In response to the incident, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly sought clarification from the International Cricket Council (ICC). A PCB source confirmed that the ICC team is responsible for managing the national anthem playlists. Speaking to PTI, the source stated (via Hindustan Times):
“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. Since India is not playing in Pakistan, it is hard to understand how their anthem was played by mistake from the playlist.”
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PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was recently questioned about the incident during a media interaction. Holding the ICC responsible for the mishap, he stated (as quoted by NDTV):
“ICC is organising the tournament.”
India is not set to play any 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. While Pakistan is hosting the ICC tournament, all of India’s games will take place in Dubai.
ENG vs AUS 2025 Champions Trophy Clash Turns into a Thrilling High-Scoring Contest
Several records were broken during the 2025 Champions Trophy clash between England and Australia on Saturday. Batting first after being put in, England posted 351/8 in 50 overs, setting a new record for the highest team total in the tournament’s history.
Opener Ben Duckett delivered a spectacular performance with a brilliant century, setting a new record for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history with 165 runs off 143 balls. His knock also became the highest-ever individual score by an English batter on Pakistani soil.
Australia secured a memorable five-wicket win, chasing the record target in 47.3 overs—the highest successful chase in an ICC ODI tournament. Josh Inglis smashed a 77-ball century, equaling Virender Sehwag’s 2002 Champions Trophy record. His unbeaten 120* earned him the Player of the Match award.
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