Punjab Kings in hot water for subbing Pakistan from India match banner

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Punjab Kings, dragged itself into controversy by snubbing Pakistan from the India’s Asia Cup 2025 match banner.

The arch-rivals are set to clash on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium, for the first time since the cross-border tensions earlier this year.

Their banner featured a logo of the Indian cricket team, but their Sunday’s opponent, Pakistan, were left out of the post. Pakistan’s name was also missing from the caption.

“Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let’s goooo 💪 #AsiaCup2025 #INDv,” the post caption stated.

This exclusion sparked widespread criticism from fans and cricket followers, who accused the franchise of being politically motivated and disrespectful towards Pakistan.

Some took a dig, stating that there was “fear in even mentioning Pakistan”, while others argued, “Why accept defeat before the match?

Some memers also stepped in with hilarious digs, such as India’s match is against John Cena, who is famous for this catch phrase, ‘You Can’t See Me’.

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This is not the first time controversy has marred an India-Pakistan clash in recent months.

During the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), the India Champions refused to play Pakistan not only in the league-stage fixture but also in the semifinal.

READ: Pakistan players to watch out in Asia Cup 2025 clash against India

‘I cried because I was really hurt’: Chris Gayle opens up on difficult time with IPL franchise

Former West Indies opener Chris Gayle has revealed a massive revelation about his troubled time with Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Overall, Gayle played 141 matches for three franchises in IPL from 2009 to 2021. His last stint came for the Punjab Kings in 2021, a franchise for which he has played for four years, mainly as an opening batter.

Speaking during a recent podcast, Gayle shed light on his IPL career and revealed the difficult time of his career in India’s premier T20 competition.

“My IPL ended prematurely with Punjab. To be honest, I was disrespected at Kings XI Punjab. I felt I wasn’t treated properly as a senior player who had done so much for the league and brought value to the franchise, he said.

“Instead, they treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was slipping into depression,” Gayle recalled.

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The 45-year-old emphasized mental well-being and recalled the instance of calling Anil Kumble, who was head coach of the franchise.

“Your mental health is more important than money. I called Anil (Kumble) and told him I was leaving. At the same time, we were stuck in a bubble, which was destroying me mentally,” Gayle explained.

He also stated that he was not amused with the way the team was managed, noting that he burst into tears while talking to Kumble.

“I broke down talking to Anil, and I cried because I was really hurt. I was disappointed with him and the way the franchise was run. KL Rahul, the captain, even called me saying, ‘Chris, stay, you’ll play the next game.’ But I just said, ‘I wish you all the best,’ packed my bag, and I walked out.”

“I was mistreated. I am available—if they want me, I’ll come. But yes, I do have grudges. Loyalty means a lot to me,” Gayle concluded.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed reacts to Pakistan tri-series victory over Afghanistan

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