Tensions between India and Pakistan have once again spilled over into the world of sports. Following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India has suspended the broadcast of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The attack, which took place in Indian-administered Kashmir, saw several gunmen open fire on civilians, killing 26 people—25 of whom were Indian nationals—and injuring 10 others. The Indian government believes Pakistan was involved in the incident. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant group India considers to be an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
As a result of the incident, Indian streaming platforms FanCode and Sony Sports Network have ceased broadcasting the PSL. A match between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi, held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, was not aired. FanCode has also removed all previously uploaded PSL videos from its platform. Cricket website Cricbuzz, owned by India’s Times Group, has taken down all PSL-related content including schedules, live scores, and commentary.
In a statement, FanCode described the Pahalgam incident as a terrorist attack and expressed their discomfort in continuing PSL broadcasts. They confirmed they would not show the remainder of the league from April 24 onward. However, Pakistan-based streaming platform Tapmad continues to stream the Indian Premier League (IPL) as usual.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet released an official statement in response. On social media, reactions have been mixed—some supporting the decision by Indian broadcasters, while others call for a separation between politics and sports.
Due to ongoing political tensions, bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan have been suspended for over a decade. Following the Pahalgam incident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reiterated its stance, stating it will not play any bilateral series against Pakistan in the foreseeable future. The BCCI also announced plans to urge the ICC and ACC not to place India and Pakistan in the same group during international tournaments.
BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said, “We stand with the victims. Our position is aligned with the government’s decision—we don’t play bilateral series with Pakistan and won’t in the near future.” BCCI secretary Debojit Saikia also condemned the attack and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
In a broader diplomatic fallout, India has canceled visas for Pakistani nationals, and Pakistan has reciprocated by canceling Indian visas. However, 12 Indian broadcast crew members and one producer currently in Pakistan for PSL coverage are reportedly stranded. According to a PCB official, their documentation includes special provisions, so the visa cancellations are unlikely to affect their departure.
