India’s national anthem played in Aus-Eng match

Although the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Champions Trophy 2025 is still a day away, India’s national anthem has already made an unexpected appearance.

The incident occurred in Lahore, Pakistan, at the Gaddafi Stadium, which is not even hosting India for the tournament.

The blunder happened ahead of the Australia vs England Group B match when, after England’s anthem played, a line from India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” began to play instead of Australia’s anthem. The mistake was quickly corrected, but not before it caught the attention of fans online, who took to social media to troll the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the mix-up.

The incident quickly went viral, with many mocking the PCB for the slip-up, adding to the buzz surrounding the Champions Trophy.

The PCB has asked the ICC for an explanation regarding the playing of India’s national anthem. The playing of India’s anthem in Lahore was a mistake by the ICC, according to PCB sources.

Aaqib says fast bowlers key in India clash

Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed on Saturday said his fast bowlers are “match-winners” and will pull out something special against arch-rivals India in their pivotal Champions Trophy clash.

Pakistan fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf leaked 214 runs in their 30 overs combined in New Zealand’s total of 320.

But Aaqib said the trio will rise to the occasion. “We have three specialists and I would say one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game with Shaheen, Naseem and Haris,” Aaqib told reporters. The former seam bowler said the current attack reminds him of that from the 1990s, when Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Aaqib stepped up after the retirement of the great Imran Khan.

“They still have time to reach that level, but they have all the ability to repeat those sort of performances,” said Aaqib. “When you play against India it is a special feeling and I think they will bring something special tomorrow.”