Key points
- Measures underscore deepening chasm in India-Pakistan relations
- Actions are aimed at politicising sports, undermining the spirit of cricket
- India seems to be unwilling to accept the rise of PSL 10
ISLAMABAD: Following the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, Indian digital platforms FanCode and Cricbuzz have ceased coverage of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025.
FanCode, the official streaming partner for PSL in India, suspended all broadcasts, while Cricbuzz removed PSL-related content from its platforms, according to Hindustan Times.
Deepening chasm
These measures, while symbolic, underscore the deepening chasm in India-Pakistan relations. The Pahalgam incident—of which no investigation has been carried out to find the culprits—has intensified calls within India to sever cultural and sporting ties with Pakistan.
It shows that the hardline Bharatiya Janata Party (BPJ) is ready to cash in on the lives of its innocent citizens without going into the details of the incident and directly blaming Pakistan which is an easy and locally accepted political tool in the conservative Indian society.
Politics and sports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reiterated its stance against bilateral cricketing engagements with Pakistan, further solidifying this position.
These actions are aimed at politicising sports and undermining the spirit of cricket as a bridge between nations. PSL, a significant platform for world cricket, now faces diminished viewership and some negligible financial setbacks due to these bans.
India seems to be unwilling to accept the rise of PSL 10, happening in the same window with Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Pahalgam attack and other such incidents highlight the ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK. The international community is urged to view these developments through a lens that considers the broader geopolitical dynamics and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
While the decisions by FanCode and Cricbuzz resonate with domestic sentiments in India, they also reflect the intricate interplay between politics and sports. As tensions persist, the role of cricket as a unifying force in the Subcontinent remains challenged.
