In a significant turn of events, the Indian digital streaming platform FanCode has announced the suspension of live coverage for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, effective April 24, 2025. This decision follows the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily tourists, and injured 17 others.
The attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, was carried out at the popular tourist destination of Baisaran meadow, where terrorists opened fire on civilians. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for this heinous act. In response to the national outrage, FanCode, which held exclusive streaming rights for the PSL, has opted to halt all broadcasts of the tournament.
FanCode had previously aired the first 13 matches of the PSL, but the platform’s decision to stop streaming is expected to significantly impact the league's digital viewership, particularly among Indian and global audiences who accessed the matches through the service. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to issue a formal response regarding this development, which has already sparked strong reactions across social media and among fans.
Adding to the ramifications of this incident, India's leading fantasy sports app, Dream11, has also removed all PSL 2025 matches from its platform, further isolating the league from Indian audiences. This move reflects the broader impact of the Pahalgam tragedy on sports and entertainment, as the connection between the PSL and the Indian audience has historically been complicated by diplomatic tensions.
In a related context, during the IPL 2025 match between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 23, players from both teams wore black armbands to pay tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. A minute’s silence was observed before the match commenced, and celebratory elements, including fireworks and music, were suspended in respect for the victims. MI captain Hardik Pandya expressed his condolences, stating, "I would like to firstly pass my condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack. We, as a team and a franchise, condemn any such attacks." SRH skipper Pat Cummins echoed similar sentiments, adding, "We as Australians stand behind Indian people, our strong condolences go out to the family."
This incident and the ensuing actions taken by FanCode and Dream11 highlight the intersection of geopolitics and sports, a space often influenced by larger national issues. The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has also condemned the Pahalgam attack, with secretary Devajit Saikia issuing a statement that described the attack as "ghastly and cowardly." He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and emphasized the cricketing community's solidarity in the face of such tragedies.
The implications of the Pahalgam attack extend beyond immediate grief; they resonate within the realm of sports, where the PSL has historically struggled for viewership in India due to ongoing political tensions. The suspension of the PSL broadcast is a stark reminder of how deeply intertwined sports and politics can be, especially in the context of India and Pakistan.
As the situation continues to unfold, the future of the PSL 2025 hangs in the balance, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on whether the league can recover from this significant blow. The current climate has created a ripple effect that is likely to influence not only the PSL but also the broader landscape of cricket and its viewership in India.
