The India vs Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai was already one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament—but it took an unexpected turn even before the first ball was bowled. In a bizarre pre-match moment, Canadian-Indian artist Tesher’s viral hit “Jalebi Baby” was accidentally played over the stadium speakers instead of Pakistan’s national anthem, triggering confusion, embarrassment, and a wave of online reactions.
The six-second audio glitch, which occurred during the ceremonial anthem segment, left players and fans stunned. While the correct anthem resumed shortly after, the damage was done. And Tesher, known for his cheeky online persona, didn’t miss the opportunity to join the fun.
Tesher’s Reaction: ‘Shout Out to the Sound Guy’
Tesher, whose real name is Hitesh Sharma, responded with a series of humorous posts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). On his Instagram Story, he wrote:
“Shout out to the sound guy for messing up the anthem and making this an absolutely hilarious day for me. Accidents happen to the best of us. God bless u whoever you are!!!”
He followed it up with a meme captioned “Jalebi Baby is always the right anthem,” and quipped:
“When I said Jalebi Baby was an anthem, this is not what I had in mind.”
The posts quickly went viral, with fans and influencers sharing memes, reaction videos, and screenshots of the incident.
Timeline of the Anthem Blunder
| Time | Event Description |
|---|---|
| 6:45 PM IST | Teams line up for national anthems |
| 6:46 PM IST | Pakistan anthem begins, interrupted by “Jalebi Baby” |
| 6:46:06 PM IST | Organizers correct the audio, resume correct anthem |
| 6:50 PM IST | Match begins amid social media frenzy |
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, calling the incident “unprofessional and disrespectful,” and requested the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.
Social Media Eruption: #JalebiAnthem Trends Worldwide
| Platform | Trending Hashtag | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | #JalebiAnthem | Humorous, mocking |
| #SoundGuyOfTheYear | Satirical | |
| TikTok | #JalebiBabyChallenge | Dance recreations |
| #INDvPAK Anthem Fail | Mixed reactions |
Fans from both sides of the border weighed in, with Indian supporters finding humor in the mishap, while Pakistani fans expressed frustration over the lack of professionalism.
Pakistan’s On-Field Performance Adds to Woes
The anthem mix-up was only the beginning of a rough evening for Pakistan. Their batting lineup crumbled under pressure, posting a modest 127/9 in 20 overs. India chased down the target in just 15.3 overs, winning by seven wickets.
| Pakistan Batting Summary | Runs | Balls | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha | 14 | 22 | LBW by Axar Patel |
| Babar Azam | 9 | 15 | Caught by Tilak Verma |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 6 | 10 | Bowled by Kuldeep Yadav |
| Total | 127/9 | — | — |
India’s chase was led by Suryakumar Yadav, who scored an unbeaten 47, and Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 31 off just 13 balls.
| India Batting Summary | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav | 47* | 37 | 127.02 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 31 | 13 | 238.46 |
| Tilak Verma | 31 | 22 | 140.91 |
Tesher’s Rise and ‘Jalebi Baby’ Phenomenon
Tesher’s “Jalebi Baby,” a fusion of Punjabi lyrics and Western pop beats, became a global sensation in 2021 after a remix featuring Jason Derulo. The song’s catchy hook and danceable rhythm made it a favorite on TikTok and Instagram reels.
| Song Details | Metrics |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2020 (original), 2021 (remix) |
| YouTube Views | 300+ million |
| TikTok Usage | 1.2 million+ videos |
| Spotify Streams | 250+ million |
The song’s title references the popular Indian dessert “jalebi,” and its playful tone has made it a cultural staple across South Asia and the diaspora.
Expert Reactions: From Laughter to Outrage
| Name | Comment |
|---|---|
| Harsha Bhogle | “Unfortunate but hilarious. Tesher’s anthem moment will be remembered.” |
| Shoaib Akhtar | “This is not funny. It’s a matter of national pride.” |
| Sanjay Manjrekar | “The anthem mix-up was a glitch. Let’s not blow it out of proportion.” |
| Ramiz Raja | “PCB must ensure such incidents don’t repeat.” |
While some commentators found humor in the situation, others emphasized the need for professionalism and respect during national ceremonies.
PCB’s Official Response and ICC Complaint
The Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement condemning the incident and demanded accountability from the organizers. They also requested the ICC to investigate the technical lapse and replace the match referee.
| PCB Complaint Details | Status |
|---|---|
| Filed With | ICC |
| Targeted Individual | Match Referee Andy Pycroft |
| Nature of Complaint | Anthem disruption, lack of protocol |
| ICC Response | Pending investigation |
The ICC has yet to issue an official statement, but sources suggest that the matter is being reviewed internally.
Conclusion: A Viral Moment That Overshadowed Cricket
The accidental playing of “Jalebi Baby” instead of Pakistan’s national anthem may have lasted only six seconds, but its impact was felt far beyond the stadium. Tesher’s playful response added fuel to the fire, turning a technical glitch into a viral spectacle.
As the Asia Cup 2025 continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the power of pop culture, the sensitivity of national symbols, and the unpredictable nature of live events. Whether it becomes a footnote or a defining moment of the tournament, one thing is certain—“Jalebi Baby” has earned its place in cricket folklore.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, verified news sources, and social media commentary. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute diplomatic or musical advice. All figures and developments are subject to change based on official statements and future events.
