To err is human, but they are unacceptable at this stage, especially in this era of digital precision. The so-called errors and glitches during two International Cricket Council Champions Trophy 2025 matches have left a bitter taste. This comes just ahead of today’s ultimate clash between Pakistan and India, a rivalry that transcends the sport itself.
It was embarrassing to see Pakistan’s name omitted from the official broadcast logo during the India-Bangladesh match in Dubai, and so was the wrong national anthem played in Lahore before an Australia-England match. While the first incident was conveniently covered up, fingers were pointed at Pakistan for being careless the second time. The only one seeking explanations from the event manager ICC was the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Knowing that Pakistan has sacrificed and compromised beyond its capacity to bring international cricket back to the country after almost three decades, deliberate attempts have been made to undermine its efforts. The missing Pakistan logo was dismissed as a simple mistake. A half-hearted apology issued was ironic, only to be followed by a promise to correct it. Champions Trophy is not an ordinary event, and such "mistakes" are unacceptable in the world of billion-dollar sports broadcasting. It comes as yet another snub – after the jersey controversy, and a direct denial of Pakistan’s rightful place as the tournament’s host.
The ICC shrugs off the ensuing national anthem controversy as another technical glitch. The Indian national anthem magically making its way into the playlist is not a good enough excuse, given that India are not even playing in Pakistan, leave alone in that match. It is hard to recall such playlist shuffles and logo glitches in ICC events, which are finalized and tested well in advance. This shows neglect and bias. Still, the global body apparently has no reason to take these matters seriously. For its part, the PCB is in no position to do much beyond sending letters of protest.
Call it incompetence or intent; the damage has been done. Pakistan is once again left explaining, complaining, and demanding fairness from a system that does not prioritize it
Nevertheless, the event has turned into an example of poor management and questionable intent. This pattern reminds Pakistan of its place in world cricket. Teams refuse to tour, broadcasters make "mistakes", and events are structured to favor certain teams. Call it incompetence or intent; the damage has been done. Pakistan is once again left explaining, complaining, and demanding fairness from a system that does not prioritize it.
It is high time for the PCB to turn the tide and be proactive rather than reactive. The efforts put in to bring international cricket back to Pakistan need to pay off. Letters and protests will not change the ICC’s behavior. Instead of playing victim, the cricket board needs to put its foot down. Otherwise, these "errors" will not stop, and Pakistan will keep waiting for an explanation that never truly arrives.
