Key points
- Karachi Kings respond with creative poster
- Fans accuse IPL team of disrespect
- India-Pakistan clashes often face controversies
- India leads 10-3 in T20 meetings
ISLAMABAD: Karachi Kings, a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, issued a strong response to a controversial promotional banner released by Indian Premier League (IPL) side Punjab Kings ahead of the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash at the Asia Cup 2025.
The match is scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Punjab Kings’ banner sparked outrage by featuring only India’s logo, with Pakistan’s logo notably absent, alongside a hashtag focusing solely on India.
The move drew sharp criticism from fans and cricket followers, accusing the IPL side of disrespect and political bias. Social media was flooded with comments, some sarcastically saying, “Why accept defeat before the match? It’s not like India is playing against an invisible team.” Others compared the banner to WWE star John Cena’s catchphrase, “You Can’t See Me,” suggesting Pakistan’s logo had been deliberately erased.
Creative poster
In reply, Karachi Kings shared a creative poster showing Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha playing chess against India’s captain, whose figure was entirely shadowed. This was widely praised by Pakistani fans as a clever rebuttal.
Off-field controversies have frequently overshadowed India-Pakistan clashes. In the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024, the India Champions refused to face Pakistan in both the league and semifinal stages, citing political tensions. Several former Indian players have also called for boycotts of matches against Pakistan.
Good form
On the field, both teams are in good form, having won their opening games convincingly. India dismissed UAE for just 57 runs and chased the target in 4.3 overs, while Pakistan posted 160-7 and then bowled out Oman for 67 in 16.4 overs.
In 13 T20 internationals between the two sides, India holds a 10-3 advantage over Pakistan. Their latest encounter was in February during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, where India won by six wickets.
