With PSL broadcasts relying heavily on Indian professionals, escalating diplomatic tensions put league coverage in jeopardy.
📍New Delhi/Islamabad | April 24, 2025:
In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian civilians, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan have spilled over into the sporting world. According to a PTI report, Indian crew members working in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have been instructed to restrict their movement and leave the country within 48 hours.
Also Read: BCCI Draws Red Line: No Bilateral Cricket with Pakistan After Pahalgam Terror Attack
🎙️ PSL Broadcast Faces Crisis:
- The production and broadcast of PSL could be heavily impacted as the technical team, including engineers, production managers, player-tracking experts, and cameramen, consists of Indian nationals.
- These professionals are now being replaced urgently by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its broadcast partner to keep the tournament on air.
🛑 Safety & Restrictions:
- The National Security Council in Islamabad ordered all Indian nationals to exit the country within 48 hours.
- Crew members have reportedly been asked to stay indoors and avoid public areas until arrangements for their return are made.
❌ Fancode Pulls PSL Content:
Adding to the disruption, Fancode, the Indian live streaming platform that had rights to PSL, has removed all PSL content from its app and website. As of Friday morning, all links led to ‘Error’ pages, and no matches were available for viewing.
- This comes after heavy backlash on social media, criticizing Fancode for streaming Pakistan’s domestic league after the terror strike.
- Fancode had earlier streamed the first 13 matches of the current PSL season.
🔥 Background:
India has taken a series of retaliatory steps following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, including:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
- Visa cancellations and a travel ban on Pakistani nationals
- Closure of the Attari-Wagah border
- Diplomatic staff cuts in high commissions on both sides
🏷️ Tags:
Pakistan Super League, PSL Broadcast Ban, Fancode PSL Streaming, Indian Crew in Pakistan, India Pakistan Tensions, Pahalgam Attack, PCB, PSL 2025, India Retaliation Measures