In an unprecedented show of solidarity following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, India’s major sports broadcasters and platforms have collectively pulled the plug on Pakistan Super League (PSL) coverage.
FanCode’s streaming suspension has now been joined by Sony Sports Network’s telecast withdrawal and Cricbuzz’s decision to stop covering PSL matches, creating a complete media blackout for Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament in India.
FanCode and Sony Sports Lead the Broadcast Boycott
The suspension began with FanCode, India’s leading sports streaming platform, announcing on April 24, 2025, that it would no longer broadcast PSL matches. Shortly after, Sony Sports Network, which holds the television rights for PSL in India, followed suit by suspending all telecasts of the tournament.
This coordinated response comes in the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people lost their lives and 10 were injured. The attack, carried out by militants linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), has sparked nationwide outrage and led to this unprecedented media response from the sports industry.
Cricbuzz Joins the Movement: No More Live Scores or Coverage
In a significant development, Cricbuzz, one of India’s most popular cricket websites and apps, has also stopped covering PSL matches entirely. This means Indian cricket fans won’t have access to live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, match analysis, or highlights from PSL through any major Indian platform.
The decision by Cricbuzz to halt coverage represents a major blow to PSL’s visibility in India, as the platform serves millions of cricket enthusiasts who rely on it for real-time updates and match statistics.
Sports Community Shows United Front
The Indian sports fraternity has demonstrated remarkable solidarity with the victims. During Wednesday’s IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, players wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence. Cricket icon Virat Kohli and legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar both shared emotional messages on social media, expressing their condolences and calling for justice.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia condemned the attack, stating, “The cricketing community is deeply shocked and anguished by the tragic loss of innocent lives in this gruesome terror attack.”
Financial and Diplomatic Implications
The complete media blackout could have severe financial implications for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). With PSL running until May 18, 2025, and clashing with the Indian Premier League for the first time in a decade, the loss of Indian viewership – through all major platforms including TV, streaming apps, and live score services – represents a massive setback.
Industry experts estimate that the PCB could lose significant revenue from advertising and sponsorship deals that heavily depend on the Indian market. The blackout also marks a new chapter in the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, where sports continues to be affected by geopolitical tensions.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board has yet to issue an official response, this united action by India’s sports media platforms sends a powerful message, demonstrating how deeply the terror attack has impacted the nation and its sporting community.
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