IPL team Punjab Kings is facing harsh criticism after posting a promo for India’s Asia Cup match and leaving out any mention or logo of Pakistan.
Their social media banner showed India’s emblem clearly, but the spot for Pakistan’s symbol was blank, and the caption only said, “Game 2 for the defending champions.”
Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let s goooo 💪#AsiaCup2025 #INDv pic.twitter.com/BgeoRfJjMo
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 11, 2025
Pakistani fans quickly noticed and reacted strongly. Some mocked the franchise, saying that their visibility of Pakistan is “blank as your IPL trophies.”
Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let s goooo 💪#AsiaCup2025 #INDv pic.twitter.com/BgeoRfJjMo
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 11, 2025
Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let s goooo 💪#AsiaCup2025 #INDv pic.twitter.com/BgeoRfJjMo
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 11, 2025
Others called the omission disrespectful and politically charged. The backlash grew so fast that Punjab Kings had to disable comments on the post.
Some Indian fans also disapproved, calling it a publicity stunt and saying sports should remain separated from politics.
Meanwhile, some legal voices tried to push for cancellation of the match, but a petition to stop the India vs. Pakistan fixture was rejected by the Supreme Court.
This incident shows how deeply the cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan runs; it’s not just about matches, but symbolism and representation.
Read More: How to watch Pakistan vs India Asia Cup 2025 live match?
Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let s goooo 💪#AsiaCup2025 #INDv pic.twitter.com/BgeoRfJjMo
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 11, 2025
In omitting Pakistan’s logo and name, Punjab Kings may have sparked backlash that overshadows the match itself.
Game 2️⃣ for the defending champions. Let s goooo 💪#AsiaCup2025 #INDv pic.twitter.com/BgeoRfJjMo
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 11, 2025
Fans expect fairness, and ignoring one side can feel like disrespect. Even if the omission was unintentional, the reaction highlights how sensitive the India-Pakistan rivalry remains.
Moving forward, teams and organizers may have to think more carefully about how they use visuals in promos, because what seems like a small design choice can cause major uproar.
