The Indian government has blocked access to the YouTube channels of former Pakistani cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Basit Ali, among others, following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives.Â
The move, prompted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, targets content deemed "provocative, communally sensitive, and misleading" against India, its army, and security agencies.
"On the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has banned Pakistani YouTube channels for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive content, false and misleading narratives and misinformation against India, its Army and security agencies in the backdrop of the tragic Pahalgam terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir," officials said.
The banned channels, including that of Akhtar with over 3.8 million subscribers, are no longer accessible in India, displaying a YouTube message:
"This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government order related to national security or public order."
Other affected channels include major Pakistani news outlets like Dawn News, Geo News, ARY News, and Samaa TV, as well as individual creators like Irshad Bhatti and Asma Shirazi.
However, Akhtar and Ali’s channels were not explicitly listed in the government’s ban order, raising uncertainty about the scope of the action.
Why are Pakistani YouTube Channels Being Blocked in India?
The Pahalgam terror attack has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. India has responded with diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. The YouTube bans are part of a broader strategy to curb narratives that the government believes inflame tensions.
Among other measures, FanCode, the streaming partner of the Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL 2025), stopped the coverage of the tournament in India.
Other cricket-related channels restricted in India include those of former Pakistan bowler Tanveer Ahmed and sports-focused creators like Wasay Habib, Rizwan Haider, Aap Ka Mohsin Ali, Uzair Cricket, etc. Pakistan’s sport-media platforms, such as BBN Sports and Samaa Sports, have also been blocked.Â
As cricket commentary channels face unprecedented restrictions, the move highlights the Indian government’s stringent approach to digital content amid heightened geopolitical strains.
