Indian broadcasters FanCode and Sony Sports Network have suspended their coverage of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The move came as a sign of respect for the victims of the attack and in protest against the violence.
On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists, triggering widespread outrage and mourning across the nation.
FanCode, the digital platform that was officially streaming the PSL in India, immediately halted all live streams after the attack. It also removed all PSL-related content from its platform, including match highlights and schedules. Sony Sports Network, which held the television broadcasting rights for the PSL in India, followed suit, ceasing all scheduled broadcasts of the league’s matches.
Neither FanCode nor Sony Sports Network has released an official statement detailing the duration of the suspension or whether coverage will resume at a later date. However, sources within both broadcasting companies indicate that the decision was made in response to the national sentiment and as a mark of solidarity with the families of the victims.
No bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also reiterated its stance against bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla, speaking to the media on Thursday (April 24), emphasized that India would not engage in any bilateral cricket series with Pakistan, given the prevailing political climate and the recent terror attack.
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The suspension of PSL broadcasts in India highlights the complex relationship between sports and politics, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations. While some argue that sports should remain separate from political issues, others believe that such events cannot be viewed in isolation, especially when national security and sentiment are involved.
The long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan have frequently affected cricket events, and this latest development is another example of how these tensions can disrupt the world of cricket.
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