There was a shocking confusion at the Asia cup 2025 group A match between India and Pakistan in Dubai right before the event as the Pakistani team were about to play the national anthem. The DJ played an English song in place of the National Anthem, the ‘Jalebi Baby’. The case occurred at the Dubai International stadium before the IND vs PAK game, which created confusion and led to social media responses among the fans.
‘Jalebi Baby’ Instead of Pakistan National Anthem
The Pakistani cricketers were formed in the habitual position, ready to start singing the official anthems, when the unknown song was played. Other players were evidently confused at what was going on. Initially, the anthem was silenced and in its place the high tempo English song was played though, presumably, after realizing the error, the authorities governing the stadium played the proper anthem afterward.
DJ played Jalebi Baby song on Pakistan National anthem 🤣#INDvsPAK #BoycottINDvPAK pic.twitter.com/rJBmfvqedI
— 𝗩 𝗔 𝗥 𝗗 𝗛 𝗔 𝗡 (@ImHvardhan21) September 14, 2025
Fans call it ‘Major Goof Up’ of Pakistan National Anthem
Enthusiasts rushed to X to document their shock. Some were disillusioned or angry at the mistake dubbing it a great goof up. There were posts which cast doubt on the fact that such a simple protocol could be handled at the level of an international sporting event wrongly. Some of them attempted to take it lightly or make jokes about it, whilst others one found it to be disrespectful towards a national symbol.
Pakistan’s National Anthem Disrespected
The event has sparked debate once again on the procedures in stadiums and the role of national anthems in international sports. To the Pakistani fans, the national anthem is not just a song, but it is an identity and pride. Such mistakes are very sensitive in particular. In the meantime, the organizers are pressurized to make sure that stringent checks are put in place so that such a failure will not recur. The confusion notwithstanding, the game was played. The toss had already been successfully made in favor of Pakistan who decided to bat first. It is not that the one-time mistake changed much in the way things unfolded in real time, yet the emotional elements remained, both among the participating and the audience.
