India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025: DJ Plays English Song Instead Of Pakistan's National Anthem

The Dubai International Cricket Stadium turned into a cauldron of anticipation on Sunday, September 14, as India and Pakistan locked horns in their Asia Cup 2025 showdown. The build-up, however, carried an unusual air. Calls for a boycott had cast a shadow, and though the Indian government cleared the match, the electric frenzy that normally surrounds this fixture felt muted-at least until the players walked out.

An Anthem Gone Wrong

Before a single ball was bowled, the contest had already delivered an unforgettable moment. As Pakistan lined up for their national anthem, the stadium DJ mistakenly rolled out the opening beats of the global chartbuster Jalebi Baby. The crowd gasped, players looked around in disbelief, and within seconds, the music was cut off and the anthem resumed. The awkwardness faded, but the incident was quickly etched into the folklore of India-Pakistan cricket theatre.

Toss Tales

At the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Agha Ali called it right and chose to bat first, banking on his side's familiarity with the slow surface. "We've been here for 20 days, we know these conditions. Runs on the board first," he said confidently. India's skipper Suryakumar Yadav, unfazed, revealed he had hoped to bowl anyway. "Happy to chase. The humidity should bring in some dew," he remarked, his words carrying quiet assurance.

Form Guide

Both giants arrived in Dubai brimming with early-tournament momentum. India had brushed aside the UAE in ruthless fashion-skittling them for 57 and hunting down the target in a lightning 4.3 overs. Pakistan, too, had chalked up a win against Oman, their bowlers rescuing them after a shaky batting display.

With both sides fielding unchanged XIs, the stage was set-not just for a cricket match, but for another chapter in a rivalry where even the anthem can make headlines.