On April 27, 2025, the Indian government went ahead and banned 17 Pakistani YouTube channels, most of them centered around cricket, after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. This has created a lot of discussions, as these channels had over 83 million subscribers collectively, indicating a significant number of cricket fans worldwide viewed content from these ten creators or creators who broadcasted these channels. 

The Pahalgam terror attack, which preceded this action, raised tensions between India and Pakistan and came in good form for the Indian government, as several forms of Pakistani media endured measures and a rationale was created to take down the offending or anti-India media. This included YouTube channels and hundreds of media outlets in Pakistan, to which the usage of false information was used as justification for bans on media channels. The channels banned included a lot of known names in cricket journalism and commentary, inclusive of Geo News, ARY News, and SAMAA TV, as well as individual creators such as Irshad Bhatti and Raufar. 

List of Banned Channels

Below is a detailed list of the banned YouTube channels, their handles, and their subscriber counts at the time of the ban. These are a few other YouTube channels that have also been banned in India.

Total Subscribers: 33.623M

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Pakistani YouTube Channel which got Banned in India .
Thread 🧵-

1. Rizwan haider pic.twitter.com/w9CDXQIrl4

— JosD92 (@J0SD92) April 28, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 46: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Full Match Highlights

Impact on Cricket Fans

A cricket fan will be adversely affected in this case if a more subjective form of viewing or supporting is seen from channels and creators that received reliance, ideas, support, context, updates, summaries, and commentary in terms of Pakistan cricket news updates that included a heavier cargo channel such as Geo News (31.8M subscribers) and ARY News (14.6M subscribers) will be truly important as they received live updates for sports news and coverage of pressing ideas or coverage of some Pakistan cricket news, social media from players, pre- and post-match interviews, and highlights for every significant game they would have taken the time to broadcast and prepare in front of audiences. Small creators such as Muneeb (16K subscribers) and Samaa Sports (73.5K subscribers) had smaller audiences, but this did not matter to their niche study as creators in the cricket fan community.

The decision has generated mixed reactions. Some support the Indian government's position and say that these channels usually disseminated slanted commentary. Some, such as cricket fans and digital rights activists, argue that the ban is an abuse of power and that sport should remain apolitical. As well, the ban calls into question the access to content in a digital age, given that many of these channels were popular not just among people in Pakistan but also among Indian viewers and the diaspora around the world.

Following the unfortunate Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including a Nepalese citizen, the Indian government has acted swiftly to stop the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content. One of the steps taken is the blocking of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including that of ex-Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar.

The Ministry of Home Affairs suggested the ban based on concerns regarding the spread of inflammatory and communally sensitive material, false narratives, and disinformation aimed at India, its Army, and security agencies. This action seeks to preclude the instigation of communal tensions and maintain national security following the Pahalgam attack.

Shoaib Akhtar's sports analysis and commentary channel on YouTube was also blocked. Although Akhtar's videos were mostly sports-related, his channel was added to the ban as part of the larger effort to contain the dissemination of potentially provocative content during a sensitive time. To date, Akhtar has made no public statement about the ban.

Also read: IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant fined for slow over-rate offence against MI

Major Pakistani news channels blocked in India

These blocked channels collectively have about 63 million subscribers and include Pakistani news giants such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, Geo News, and Bol News. Channel owners who operate as individual creators like Wasay Habib, Arzoo Kazmi, and Syed Muzammil Shah also have their channels blocked for the Indian audience. Indian audiences trying to view these channels are greeted with a message saying that the material is not available because of a government directive regarding national security or public order.

This step is in line with a series of security and diplomatic steps initiated by India following the Pahalgam attack. Other actions include suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for the Pakistani nationals, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and cutting the diplomatic staff at both countries' high commissions.The Indian government's crackdown on such YouTube channels demonstrates its resolve to battle against false news spread and national security. In action against such channels carrying inciting material, authorities want to prevent the surfacing of communal tensions and maintain public order in the times of sensitive post-poll politics. In addtion to it, channels of famous youtuber Wassey Iffi along with Rizwan Haider are the ones banned by Indian Government. 

#Pahalgam These Pakistani YouTube channels have been banned by MHA for deciminating anti India content pic.twitter.com/sjROUSEoic

— Anupam Mishra (@Anupammishra777) April 28, 2025

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has raised the tensions between India and Pakistan yet again. After the attack, cricketers from both nations have been sharing their views. Amidst rising tensions, former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has made comments that are sure to provoke a response from Indians. Afridi criticized India for accusing Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam attack without presenting any evidence. He went further, blaming the Indian Army’s incompetence for the attack and labeling them as "useless."

Speaking on Samaa TV, Shahid Afridi criticized India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The former Pakistan skipper also remarked that even if a firecracker went off, India would blame Pakistan. Afridi pointed out that despite having an 800,000-strong army in Kashmir, such incidents still occurred, which, according to him, reflected the incompetence and inefficiency of the Indian forces. The star Pakistan all-rounder expressed surprise at how quickly Indian media sensationalized the attack, comparing their coverage to a Bollywood production. Afridi added that he found the media’s reactions amusing and questioned the mindset of those who, despite claiming to be educated, reacted in such a manner.

"Patakha phat jaata hai wahaan par, Pakistan ne kiya (Even if a firecracker bursts there, they will blame it on Pakistan). Tum logon ki 8 lakh ki fauz hai Kashmir mein aur yeh ho gaya. Iska matlab nalayak ho, nikamme ho na tum log ki security de nahi sake logon ko (You have an 800,000-strong army in Kashmir and this still happened. It means you are inefficient and useless if you couldn't provide security to the people). Hairat hoti hai ki hamle ke ek ghante ke baad hi unka media Bollywood ban gaya. Khuda ke liye har kuch ko Bollywood mat banao (It's surprising that within an hour of the attack, their media turned into Bollywood. For God's sake, don't make everything Bollywood). Main hairaan ho gaya, balki main enjoy kar raha tha jis tarah ki woh baatein kar rahe they (I was astonished, in fact, I was enjoying the way they were talking). Main keh raha tha dekho inki soch, yeh apne aap ko padhe likhe log kehte hain (I was saying, look at their thinking, and they call themselves educated people)," Afridi said on Samaa TV

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Watch what Afridi said on camera

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by SAMAA TV (@samaatv)

Two former India cricketers also blamed Pakistan: Shahid Afridi

During his comments, Afridi pointed out that without directly naming anyone, two former Indian cricketers, who had represented India extensively and even served as ambassadors of the game, were very quick to accuse Pakistan of involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack. The right-hand batter also expressed disappointment that despite their vast experience and status in the cricketing world, they chose to blame Pakistan without presenting any concrete evidence. The leg spinner also suggested that such actions were irresponsible, especially coming from individuals who held significant influence and were expected to maintain a balanced and mature approach during sensitive times.

"Do cricketers jo India se itni cricket khele hue hain. Ambassadors reh chuke hain, top cricketers reh chuke hain unki taraf se direct Pakistan (There are two cricketers who have played so much cricket for India. They have been ambassadors and top cricketers, yet they directly blame Pakistan)," Afridi also added.

In the aftermath of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that took the lives of over two dozen tourists, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly sent a strong message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to discontinue any and all cricketing relations with Pakistan. Known for his candid opinions, Ganguly did not mince words. “India should break all cricketing ties with Pakistan. Strict action is necessary. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” he said, as he engaged with public sentiment.

The BCCI is firm with its position that there will not be a bilateral game with Pakistan, home or neutral, unless the Indian government expressly approves it. This action is consistent with national policy and displays India's growing displeasure with repeated incidents of cross-border terrorism with minimal consequences for Pakistan. 

Ganguly's call, issued in 2023, bears similar admonitions he made in 2019, after the Pulwama attack, wherein he expressed that sport cannot take priority over national mourning. "You do not play cricket with a country that supports terrorism. You are sending the wrong message." Thus, this latest statement merely is reaffirming that there is continuity and consistency coming from the former skipper: cricket does not coexist peacefully with terrorism.

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Sourav Ganguly on India & Pakistan's Cricketing relationship. (ANI).

- He said "India should break all cricketing ties with Pakistan. Strict action is necessary. Terrorism cannot be tolerated". pic.twitter.com/8psUjCQEi4

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 26, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs PBKS Match 44 - A Head to Head breakdown

National Security Over Sporting Spirit

The BCCI has made it clear that meeting Pakistan outside of the ICC tournaments and the Asian Cricket Council tournaments is a no-go without the explicit clearance from the government. No surprises here. National interest trumps cricketing interest. Sourav Ganguly’s declaration strikes a chord with the many former cricketers and fans who believe that boundaries on the field start with boundaries off the field first. 

There is consensus that India must stay away from Pakistan diplomatically and in sport until Pakistan acts truly against terrorism. In a country that is united by cricket and transcends boundaries, Ganguly's comment is a reminder that loved sports must come second to the lives of innocent people. The Indian cricketing icon's message is clear as the nation mourns the loss from the Pahalgam tragedy: enough is enough!

Following the horrific terror attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26, Fancode, an Indian sports streaming platform, has suspended the live streaming of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 immediately. The decision parallels the growing public anger and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan following the attack. Fancode became one of the first private organizations in India to stop coverage of the PSL, which would apply to the national sentiment of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

The gruesome attack took place at Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, and the armed attack against tourists is being noted as one of the deadliest attacks since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which, if you can recall, killed 40 CRPF and shook the country. The new tragedy has reignited many memories of Pulwama, and calls for counter-terrorism actions are growing, and faster, visibly, actions from both the government and private sectors are now critical.

See Also: 'You're sheltering and nurturing terrorists' - Former Pakistan cricketer blames PM Shehbaz Sharif after Pahalgam attack

At a recent public rally in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke passionately and forcefully to the country, denouncing the attack and promising that action would be taken. Modi's comments were met with widespread support across the nation, which reaffirmed the government's very strong position against terrorism. The Prime Minister suggested that strong diplomatic, military, and regulatory actions would be taken in the future. Fancode’s suspension of PSL broadcasts of the PSL demonstrates and is a huge step in how India’s private sector is now aligning with the government's tough stance against cross-border terrorism.

Danish Kaneria blames PM Shehbaz Sharif after Pahalgam attack

Danish Kaneria, a former leg-spinner for Pakistan and one of the few Hindu players to represent the country, publicly criticized the Pakistani government for not denouncing the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. In a social media post through X, Kaneria noted that Pakistan was a place for terrorism and questioned PM Shehbaz Sharif's silence, sparking significant conversations locally and internationally.

Kaneria also rebuked the military and political class of the state, claiming the high alert after the attack may mean they already knew or should have known. Kaneria went on to mention that his rebuke isn't aimed at the Pakistani people, but at the leaders who he claims have it easy while the people live with the threat of terrorism, and claim to be victims of terrorism too, and are further victimized by their leaders in action or indirect actions in allowing such events to take place.

Danish Kaneria, former leg spinner from Pakistan and one of only a few Hindu cricketers to play for Pakistan, has received mixed responses and ignited a strong discussion by publicly criticizing the Pakistani government after the Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed, followed by condemnation from across the world — but not from Pakistan. Kaneria’s clear condemnation has ruffled feathers both nationally and internationally.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Pakistan leg spinner chastised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for not condemning the attack of terror. He went on to accuse Pakistan of being a safe haven for terrorist organizations and indirectly making such events happen. "Why doesn't PM Sharif condemn the Pahalgam attack?” he asked publicly. In his tweet, he not only grieved for the lives lost but also condemned the state's role in allowing everyone to understand that it is OK for them to use terrorism across the line.

Kaneria went on to push the issue further, mentioning the high alert provided by the military after the attack. He suggested that there would be some knowledge of prior action or at least some level of understanding of the danger, showing there was an underlying issue in the state systems. He made it clear, however, that his denunciations do not encompass the people of Pakistan, many of whom are (in his view) victims of terrorism themselves, but the political and military elite that allow these actions to continue through their inaction or covert support.

I am not speaking against Pakistan or its people. The Awam of Pakistan have suffered the most at the hands of terrorism. They deserve leadership that stands for peace, not one that shelters terrorists or stays silent when innocents are murdered.

I once wore Pakistan’s jersey… https://t.co/CDf17g0pkz

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) April 24, 2025

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Diplomatic Fallout and National Reckoning

In the wake of the Pahalgam tragedy, India has responded appropriately with diplomatic measures, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting the Attari-Wagah border, and watching the movement of Pakistani nationals. Kaneria's words only provide a global perspective on the Pakistani role and further international scrutiny, which will only bolster India's credibility regarding Pakistan's role in regional instability. Kaneria's comments carry more weight because they come from someone who wore the Pakistani colors on a global stage, not a traditional political leader. 

The voice of Danish Kaneria offers a unique insider credibility and his critique of Pakistan's counterterrorism position. By refusing to remain silent selfishly, particularly as a minority voice in a precarious public environment, he has reignited discussions regarding accountability, reform, and complicit moral responsibilities in the absence of civic responsibility of public figures. In other words, by standing up, he holds not only Pakistan but the world to account for uncomfortable truths about state terrorism and the tragedy of silence.

Ex-Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami called on the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to cut all cricketing ties with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. 

In Short

• India and Pakistan have no bilateral relations since 2013
• The two sides only meet in ICC competitions
• India last toured Pakistan for Asia Cup 2008

Ex-cricketer Shreevats Goswami has called on the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to put an end to all cricketing relations with Pakistan following the terrorist attack on Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam. At least 26 people have lost their lives in the attack on the tourists carried out by the militants of The Resistance Frontâ€"a group affiliated with the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Shreevats Goswami denounces Pahalgam attack, calls for BCCI to Boycott cricket against Pakistan

The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, with people demanding tough action to protect citizens' lives in Jammu & Kashmir. Shreevats Goswami has also decried the incident in a strongly worded comment on his social media handle. The ex-wicket-keeper batsman has appealed to the BCCI to refrain from playing cricket with Pakistan and demanded a response not with bat and ball but with resolve and dignity.

SAY NO TO CRICKET ! And that is precisely why I say - you do not play cricket with Pakistan. Not now. Ever. When BCCI or the government declined to send India to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, some had the temerity to say, 'Oh, but sport should transcend politics.' Well? Because from my vantage point, killing innocent Indians appears to be their national sport.". And if that's the way they play - then it's time we answer back in a language they really speak. Not bats and balls. But determination. Dignity. Zero tolerance," Goswami wrote in a lengthy post on his X

Also read: Virat Kohli condemns pahalgam attack: Offers condolences and calls for justice

Fatima Sana took charge of the show with a game-winning all-round performance as Pakistan Women charged into the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 with a commanding 67-run victory over Thailand at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. The triumph was their fourth consecutive win in the qualifiers and made them the first team to qualify from the six-country tournament.

Skipper Fatima was just brilliant, saving Pakistan from a precarious 85 for 4 with an unbeaten 62 before chipping in with 3 for 29 to annihilate Thailand's pursuit. Sidra Amin gave the solidity with a solid 80, her third fifty in four matches, as the duo shared a vital 97-run partnership. Thailand's pursuit never gained momentum, folding to 138 all out against the spin of Pakistan after a reasonable beginning.

"Choriya" on the front – Pakistan Women's mute critics with masterful performance

Rameen Shamim abetted the spin attack with three wickets, as Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal maintained the pressure. Although Pakistan's fielding had scope for improvement through six dropped chances, their bowling attack again proved penetrative when it was most required. The victory not only guaranteed qualification but emphasized Pakistan's emerging danger as a well-balanced and resilient outfit.

ALSO SEE: 'He can improve..' - Iftikhar Ahmed makes bold remark on Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy

With India qualified as hosts, and Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka also having qualified in advance, Pakistan's inclusion leaves just one position open. Bangladesh, the West Indies, and Scotland are vying for that sole position.

Yet, Pakistan's qualification has thrown a spanner into the tournament planning. Similar to the forthcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, World Cup matches against Pakistan will be hosted at neutral grounds because of the ICC's hybrid model agreement. UAE is being rumored as a possible co-host with India for the tournament to be staged in September-October 2025.

Fan Reactions:

Pakistan 🇵🇰 and Bangladesh 🇧🇩 women cricket teams will Qualify for the ICC women’s cricket World Cup both are on top two positions in qualifiers.
Pakistan women team will not play in India 🇮🇳 Pakistan matches will be scheduled outside India 🇮🇳 that’s it pic.twitter.com/MBH24q1pEj

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) April 16, 2025

Pakistan has qualified for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

4/4 for Pakistan in Women's World Cup Qualifiers.

Pakistan beat Thailand by 87 runs. pic.twitter.com/RMOAfHmMo9

— Osama (@sporrtingnerd) April 17, 2025

Congratulations, Team Pakistan! ❤️
I'm so proud of each and every one of you. What an incredible journey these qualifiers have been! Winning hits differently when the world had written you off. pic.twitter.com/itOu9GbslF

— Sakina Naz (@Itsnaz03) April 17, 2025

Pakistan has Qualified into the Women's World Cup 2025, this means the event happening in India will be in Hybrid model like Champions Trophy 2025. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/hpFel1JxcM

— Muhammad Noman (@Nomancricket29) April 17, 2025

Pakistan Women have qualified for the Women's World Cup later this year in India.

It would be a real shame to the power of the BCCI and Jay Shah if Pakistan’s matches are held outside India.

— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) April 17, 2025

BREAKING: Pakistan women cricket team has qualified for ICC women's cricket world cup after winning the 4th consecutive match in WC qualifiers, beating Thailand by 87 runs.

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) April 17, 2025

PAKISTAN WOMENS TEAM HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE WOMENS ODI WORLD CUP 2025 IN INDIA !!! 🎉👏💯
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HYBRID MODEL REPLICATING THAT TOO FOR THE WOMENS TEAM!!! #WWCQualifiers #WomensWorldCup

— 🇵🇰 | Hassan™🏏🎮 (@HassanEmpire007) April 17, 2025

Fantastic achievement by Pakistan women cricket team. Well played.
They have qualified for Women’s ODI World Cup, to be held in India later this year, Pakistan will play all their matches at a neutral venue.

— 𝐍.𝐃.𝐑 (@SirAnnDee) April 17, 2025

Women PCT qualified for the World cup without any loss Masha'Allah
I hope the WC also goes well for us Insha'Allah

— Saba. 🇵🇸 (@JaaneJahaann) April 17, 2025

Pakistan women team Qualified for up coming women world. Cup 👏👏

Now it's time the host will realize how it's to travel outside of the country and mess other hosting a event #BackOurGirls

— Shahzaib (@Shahzoo_khi) April 17, 2025

Congratulations to our women’s cricket team.Not only did you qualify, but now all of Pakistan’s matches will have to be held outside India. The nation is proud of you.#WCQ #PakistanCricket https://t.co/FFoY0WttGH

— Kiran Khan (@HelloKiranKhan) April 17, 2025

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's white-ball captain, found himself in the limelight of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 press conference when a reporter took a shot at him with a quote that has since gone viral: “Ya toh win hai, ya toh learn hai” (Either we win or we learn). As Pakistan’s optimistic phrasing following their premature tournament exit was widely mocked, the cynicism resurfaced when Rizwan famously mispronounced learn as “lan.”

Follow for more: https://www.cricketwinner.com/

The reporter's question, which was deemed sarcastically disrespectful, was interpreted as a comment on the team failing to sustain any sort of success on the field. To ask something to the effect of, “Are you still learning, or is it winning time?” would suggest that, at least in the eyes of many, Rizwan had crossed the line in terms of civility blending with mockery, considering the captain's stature in the hierarchy as team captain.

Zalalat Pro Max😂😭 pic.twitter.com/lHiprKtChc

— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) April 10, 2025

Media Criticism vs. Respect for Players

Even with the offense, Rizwan is keeping calm. Responding as he often does, he tempered his words into typical humility while still standing firm on his taunt about winning: “Yes, I did say we either win or learn, and I stand by that. We are working hard to improve, and we will come back stronger.”

Also read: CSK vs KKR : Match 25 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025) to host a ceremony to announce the new season of the cricketing festival in the country. The ceremony will be marked by many legendary artists and plenty of colors and fireworks. The PSL 2025 opening program is set to host on Friday, April 11, at 7:00 at the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

Read More: IPL 2025: MS Dhoni’s game isn’t over yet — Statistical comparison with other Big Names

The Pakistan Super League, containing 6 teams, will be ignited in their upcoming season through the face-off between two heavyweight teams of the tournament—Islamabad United, the defending champions, and Lahore Qalandars, the two-time winners. The first ball of the match and the tournament is scheduled for 8:30 PM.

As per media reports, this year's PSL ceremony will be historic with many celebrations of the country. The ceremony will be touched by the voices of legendary Sufi artist Abida Parveen, a cultural act by Ali Zafar accompanied by the young talents like Young Stunners. Along with these artists, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will witness the performances of the HBL PSL X anthem—Abrar ul Haq, Ali Zafar, Natasha Baig, and Talha Anjum. 

The final match of the PSL 2025 will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium on May 18. Although the tournament will be arranged in four venues, which contain National Bank Stadium (Karachi), Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), Multan Cricket Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

Islamabad United squad

Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Matthew Short, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Jason Holder, Haider Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Benjamin Dwarshuis, Colin Munro, Rumman Raees, Andries Gous, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Irshad, Rassie van der Dussen, Riley Meredith, Sam Billings, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood

Lahore Qalandars squad

Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Daryl Mitchell, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, Kusal Perera, Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, David Wiese, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali Mohammad Akhlaq, Rishad Hossain, Muhammad Naeem, Salman Ali Mirza, Tom Curran, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Azab.