Multan Sultans Mock Rohit Sharma by Using His Voice in PSL Promo, Spark Controversy

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A recent video released by the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans has ignited widespread controversy, particularly among Indian cricket fans.

The video, intended to introduce the PSL 2025 trophy, featured the franchise’s official mascot but drew criticism for incorporating India captain Rohit Sharma’s press conference voiceover from his historic ICC Champions Trophy victory.

This unexpected move has triggered strong reactions on social media, with many Indian fans calling it an inappropriate and disrespectful act. Given the longstanding cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan, the use of Sharma’s voice in PSL promotional material has been perceived as a provocation rather than an innocent marketing ploy.

Social Media Backlash

Cricket fans from both nations took to social media to express their displeasure. Indian fans, in particular, found the video distasteful, accusing Multan Sultans of attempting to mock Rohit Sharma by using his triumphant moment to promote a rival league. Many users flooded Twitter and Instagram with comments criticising the franchise for dragging an Indian player into PSL’s promotional campaigns.

Pakistani fans, on the other hand, had mixed reactions. While some supported the move as a playful gesture, others pointed out that it was unnecessary and could further escalate tensions between the two cricketing nations.

Brad Hogg’s Controversial Comments Add Fuel to the Fire

This controversy comes on the heels of another storm involving former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg. Hogg recently made remarks about Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan’s English-speaking skills, which many Pakistani supporters found offensive. His comments sparked outrage, with many fans and cricketers coming to Rizwan’s defence.

The timing of Multan Sultans’ video has only added to the ongoing tensions. Some Indian fans believe that the PSL franchise deliberately released the clip to shift attention away from the Hogg controversy and instead stir a new debate.

Upcoming PSL 2025 Season

Despite the ongoing controversy, the PSL is gearing up for its highly anticipated 10th edition, set to begin on April 11, 2025. Defending champions Islamabad United will take on Lahore Qalandars in the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The tournament will feature 34 matches across multiple venues, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 13 matches, including the two eliminators and the grand final on May 18. Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan will also host a portion of the matches, with three scheduled double-headers taking place on Saturdays and Labour Day.

Additionally, PSL 2025 will feature a special exhibition match on April 8 in Peshawar, with participating teams yet to be confirmed. Karachi Kings, the winners of PSL’s fifth edition, will kick off their campaign on April 12, facing last season’s runners-up, Multan Sultans.

Cricketing Tensions Between India and Pakistan

Given the history of cricketing relations between India and Pakistan, controversies such as this are not new. Political tensions have often spilled over into the sport, with both nations rarely facing each other outside of ICC tournaments. In such a climate, any action perceived as an attempt to undermine the other side is met with heightened scrutiny.

The Multan Sultans’ decision to use Rohit Sharma’s voice in their promotional content has only deepened the divide, with fans from both countries debating whether it was a harmless joke or a deliberate dig at Indian cricket. With PSL 2025 just around the corner, all eyes will be on whether the franchise responds to the backlash or lets the controversy fade with time.