CRICKET organisers were left red-faced after the wrong national anthem was played during England's match against Australia. The Aussies came out on top in the Championship Trophy game, and set a record on their way to victory in Lahore. But the day was marred after an embarrassing gaffe before play got underway.
![[Australian cricket team lined up for national anthems.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/players-australia-line-national-anthems-974050375_bfab85.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
With the two teams lined up awaiting their national anthems to be played, the Indian anthem was played instead of the Australian for a few seconds. That provoked laughter from some sections of the crowd as those responsible quickly realised their mistake and put on the correct anthem.
However the error has not gone down well in other quarters, with the Pakistan Cricket Board blaming the ICC and demanding answers. A source close to the ICC told The Hindu that the PCB has sent a letter to the governing body about the incident, questioning how the Indian anthem was played when India are not even playing matches in Pakistan.
The source said: "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.".
Australia had to beat England's record-breaking Champions Trophy total of 351 to secure a five-wicket victory. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS. Ben Duckett hit 165 off 143 balls but the Aussies responded in kind, with Josh Inglis recording his maiden ODI century.
