The Pakistan government has directed Indian nationals working in the broadcast crew of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 to exit the country within 48 hours. This decision, driven by security and diplomatic concerns, follows the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. The incident has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting swift governmental actions on both sides.
Over 24 Indian professionals involved in the PSL 2025 broadcast operations are affected. These include engineers, camera operators, production leads, and player-tracking experts, who have played a crucial role in ensuring high-quality coverage of the tournament. With their sudden departure, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the tournament’s official broadcaster, Trans-Asia, are now under pressure to urgently find replacements to maintain the standard of the ongoing broadcast.
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Despite the PCB’s appeal that the Indian crew held sports-specific visas which should grant them an exemption from such orders, the Pakistan government upheld its stance after a National Security Council meeting. This move is part of a broader set of retaliatory measures between the two nations.
In a corresponding action, the Indian government has banned the live streaming of PSL 2025 within India. Currently, there is no alternative broadcasting arrangement in place, leaving Indian cricket fans without official means to follow the remainder of the tournament. Additionally, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari border, while Pakistan has canceled all visas for Indian nationals.
Among the Indian crew in Pakistan, 12 individuals holding UAE residency remain stranded, with local authorities advising them to limit their movements until they can safely exit the country. The PSL 2025 tournament, which spans across four major Pakistani cities, now faces uncertainty in delivering uninterrupted and high-quality broadcast coverage amid these geopolitical tensions.
The PCB continues to grapple with ensuring the continuity of the tournament as they navigate the complex diplomatic landscape and the immediate technical challenges posed by the sudden withdrawal of the Indian broadcast team.
