Meme-ing Cricket: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Digital Humor Surrounding Pakistan’s hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study explores the discourse of memes generated around the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, a landmark cricket event hosted in Pakistan after nearly three decades. By applying critical discourse analysis, the research investigates how memes, blending visuals, text, and cultural references, serve as vehicles for humor, satire, and collective expression among South Asian cricket fans.

Methodology: Data was sourced from Facebook, the region’s most popular social media platform, with memes purposively sampled from a larger pool of 10,000. The study focused on those with the highest engagement (likes, comments, shares) for in-depth qualitative analysis.

Findings: The findings reveal that memes not only entertain but also critique player performances, team dynamics, and the unpredictability of the tournament, reflecting broader issues in cricket governance and national identity. Notably, the memes highlighted the irony of Pakistan’s early exit as hosts, India’s one-venue advantage, and Afghanistan’s dramatic victories, blending humor with social critique.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that memes act as digital artifacts that construct, challenge, and reinforce collective identities and narratives in sports culture. The research highlights the role of memes in shaping online discourse, influencing public perception, and providing insights into societal realities through humor and satire, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the intersection of digital culture, sports fandom, and contemporary communication in South Asia.