Media Shuts Doors on Pakistan Cricket and Entertainment

Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people and injured many more, Indian media companies are pulling back from Pakistani cricket matches and entertainment content.

According to sources close to the situation, both Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and FanCode have stopped broadcasting Pakistan Super League matches. SPNI and FanCode, both owned by Dream Sports, held television and streaming rights to the Pakistani T20 league, which was modeled after the IPL.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which airs and streams Pakistani TV shows under the brand Zee Zindagi, has also removed all Pakistani content from its streaming platform, ZEE5, according to company sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It has also removed Pakistani content from its YouTube channel, Zee Zindagi.

The Indian TV broadcaster had, in the past, suspended Pakistani content from its platforms following the 2016 Uri attack.

The fate of the upcoming Asia Cup is also under a cloud, as India's matches against Pakistan are uncertain due to the tough stance adopted by the Indian government in the wake of the attack, industry sources noted.

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan fixture, scheduled for September-October, is a major draw for audiences and advertisers alike. With the marquee clash now uncertain, the tournament's overall value is at risk.

SPNI had last year secured the Asia Cup media rights for $170 million.

Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice-president, stated that the cricket board will do whatever the government asks. "We stand with the victims and condemn this. Whatever our government says, we will do. We do not play with Pakistan in bilateral series due to the government's stance, and we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals in the future. However, we participate in ICC events because of our involvement with the ICC. "The ICC is also aware of what is going on," Shukla told a news channel.

While the Indian team has not played Pakistan in bilateral matches since 2012-2013, the two teams continue to compete in International Cricket Council and Asian Cricket Council tournaments.

Apart from cricket and TV shows, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's Hindi film 'Abir Gulaal', which was slated to release on May 9, is also facing opposition and is unlikely to release in the country.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced that the film will not be released in India. Even before the attack, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena expressed opposition to the film.