A new controversy has emerged ahead of PSL 2025, triggered by a video released by the Multan Sultans, a franchise of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The video, which showcases the team's official mascot, has elicited strong responses from fans in both India and Pakistan. It features a voiceover of Indian captain Rohit Sharma taken from a press conference after his team's victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The clip, designed to unveil the PSL 2025 trophy, presents the mascot speaking with Rohit’s voice. While it is not uncommon for mascots to make announcements in sports leagues, the selection of this particular audio was viewed as peculiar, especially considering the tense cricketing relations between India and Pakistan.

As a result, the video has provoked significant backlash, with many Indian fans interpreting the gesture as a slight against their national team’s captain.

Several users on social media expressed their displeasure, questioning why a PSL franchise would use an Indian cricketer’s words to promote their own tournament.

Here are some reactions:

Mohammad Rizwan, who captains the Pakistan national team, is currently at the helm of the Sultans. However, he is not part of the Pakistan squad that traveled to New Zealand earlier this month for a five-match T20I series; in his absence, Salman Agha is leading the team.

A recent video from the Sultans surfaced shortly after a controversial incident involving Australian cricketer Brad Hogg, who received backlash for mocking Mohammad Rizwan’s proficiency in English.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is scheduled to commence on April 11, with the defending champions, Islamabad United, facing off against Lahore Qalandars in the opening match in Rawalpindi. This six-team tournament will continue until May 18, with the eliminators and final taking place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Additionally, an exhibition match is planned for April 8 in Peshawar, although the participating teams have yet to be announced.

This season marks the first instance of a scheduling conflict between the PSL and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Traditionally, the Pakistan Super League is held during the February-March period each year; however, the upcoming Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan, has necessitated a rescheduling of the premier T20 league to the April-May timeframe.

Read Also: RCB Throws Shade: 'No MI Was Harmed' Jab Sparks Pre-IPL 2025 Storm

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