'Biased Attitude': Fans Slam ICC For Highlight India, Pakistan In New Anthem Video

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a new anthem for all major tournaments on the global stage. The theme music will be featured in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, slated to be held in the USA and the West Indies from June 2. According to the ICC, the latest anthem having a playtime of three minutes will serve as the “new sonic brand” of the cricket governing body, “encapsulating the dynamic spirit of the sport across its diverse formats of Test, One-Day and T20 international cricket.”

“As a strategic brand asset, the aural piece will serve to reinforce the ICC’s identity around the globe,” the ICC shared in an official release.

The new ICC anthem has been composed by renowned Grammy award-winning film and television composer, Lorne Balfe. The 48-year-old Scottish record producer has previously worked on projects like Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1, Life on Our Planet, Black Adam, Luther: The Fallen Sun, Top Gun: Maverick and Black Widow.

Speaking about his latest creation, Lorne Balfe said, “It’s been a great experience working with the ICC and composing the new anthem. It’s an anthem of unity and the goal was to echo the spirit of every boundary crossed and wicket taken in this wonderful, timeless sport,” as quoted by NDTV.

After the new ICC theme came to light, many cricket enthusiasts noticed the “over-exaggeration” of Indian cricket in the official video. They feel the cricket administrative body has ignored small teams while putting more focus on the Asian rivals– India and Pakistan. Reacting to the official X post by the ICC, a fan asked, “Why don’t you rename it as the all-new Indian cricket team anthem?”

A user was left disheartened after finding no clip of teams like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies. “Is this a joke? Only India and India are there. With Pakistan coming and Australia’s cameo. ICC anthem should concede every team not just India and Pakistan,” the person wrote.

A fan reckons the ICC was “biased” while creating the video of the new anthem. “Welcome the all-new BCCI…oh sorry ICC anthem! The anthem by itself is great.. but the video production is clearly the most disgusting representation of cricket leading up to a global event. ICC, you can do better! Shame on this biased attitude.”

An Indian fan was left overwhelmed as she saw two cricket iconic of the country– Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ICC anthem video. “Captain Rohit Sharma and King Kohli featured in ICC T20 Anthem,” she wrote while dropping a few fire emojis.

Here are some other reactions:

Lorne Balfe has used a variety of orchestral instruments for the ICC theme which also features cricket equipment and in-game sounds. The amalgamation has given birth to an inspiring soundscape, which will let fans feel the vibe of the match. It will be played on the pre-match show as well as at post-match events including the trophy-presentation ceremony. The music was recorded at the Abbey Road Recording Studios in London.