Indian anthem played in Lahore before Australia vs England in organisers’ blunder

The Indian national anthem was mistakenly played in Lahore instead of the Australian national anthem ahead of the Champions Trophy match between Australia and England on Saturday, February 22. The Australian players and the crowd at the Gaddafi Stadium were taken by surprise before the organisers realised the blunder and stopped the Indian national anthem. Order was restored when Advance Australia Fair was eventually played at the iconic venue in Lahore, which has received a facelift for the Champions Trophy.

The organisers’ blunder was bizarre as India are not scheduled to play any of their Champions Trophy games in Lahore. India refused to travel to Pakistan for the eight-team tournament following which a hybrid model was adopted. India will play all their matches in Dubai.

Before every cricket match in events hosted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the national anthems of the two competing teams are played. The ceremony takes place after the toss where the two teams have an opportunity to shake hands and warm up for the contest.