The rivalry between Pakistan and India has taken a dramatic digital turn ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 showdown, as Karachi Kings delivered a bold and creative response to a controversial post by IPL franchise Punjab Kings igniting a social media storm that has intensified the excitement around the upcoming match.
The controversy erupted when Punjab Kings, co-owned by Bollywood actress Pretty Zinta, posted promotional material for India’s Asia Cup match but conspicuously removed the Pakistan cricket logo, replacing it with a plain white box.
In stark contrast, the Indian cricket board’s logo was clearly displayed, prompting widespread criticism across the cricketing world, including from Indian fans, who called the move “petty” and “childish.” Facing backlash, Punjab Kings eventually disabled comments on the post.
“Respect in sports goes beyond boundaries removing a national symbol is never just a design choice,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter), echoing the sentiment shared by thousands.
Refusing to remain silent, Karachi Kings a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise clapped back with a creatively symbolic post that has since gone viral.
The post depicts Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha engaged in a chess match, portraying strategy and calm dominance. The Indian captain, however, is shown fully shadowed, adding a layer of mystery and perhaps inferiority in the strategic duel.
A clock in the image is set precisely to 6:00, widely interpreted as a reference to Operation Swift Retort, where Pakistan reportedly downed six Indian fighter jets a moment still remembered with pride among Pakistani supporters.
The subtle symbolism struck a chord with fans, turning the Karachi Kings’ post into a viral moment of online retaliation.
The timing of this digital face-off couldn’t be more dramatic. Pakistan and India are set to clash in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai.
Should both teams progress through the tournament, a potential rematch is scheduled for September 21 in the Super Four stage, with a possible final on September 28, setting the stage for multiple high-voltage encounters between the arch-rivals.
With cricket fans watching closely, what started as a controversial edit has now evolved into a full-blown digital war, reflecting the passionate emotions both on and off the field.