In the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, the Indian government has taken steps to block the Instagram accounts of several prominent Pakistani cricketers. Fans attempting to access the profiles of Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan now encounter a message that reads: “Account not available in India. This is because we complied with a legal request to restrict this content.”
The attack, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 individuals, primarily tourists, has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. In response to the incident, the Indian government has intensified its scrutiny of Pakistani social media accounts that have a significant following in India. This action is part of a broader effort to regulate content that could be seen as inflammatory or provocative.
In recent weeks, other Pakistani social media accounts have also come under scrutiny. For instance, the Instagram account of Pakistani Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem was blocked in India. This move is consistent with the government’s increased focus on limiting the reach of Pakistani figures within India, particularly those involved in sports and public life.
In addition to the cricketers’ accounts, Indian authorities have restricted access to YouTube channels of several former Pakistani cricketers, including Shoaib Akhtar, Basit Ali, and Shahid Afridi. These channels have been accused of spreading content deemed harmful or sensitive to the ongoing political climate. This is part of a larger crackdown on digital media that has seen an uptick in action taken against Pakistani personalities online.
Interestingly, while the Instagram accounts of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan are blocked, profiles of other well-known figures, such as Shahid Afridi, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis, remain accessible to Indian users. This selective blocking of accounts has raised questions regarding the criteria for such decisions and whether these actions are being applied consistently across the board.
The situation highlights the growing role that social media platforms play in shaping the narrative around international relations, particularly in cricket-crazy nations like India and Pakistan. The digital realm has become an increasingly important battleground for political expression, and governments are paying more attention to the influence of social media in public life.
While sports and politics have always had a complicated relationship, the intersection of the two in the digital age presents unique challenges. Social media accounts, once seen primarily as platforms for fan engagement, have now become sites for the dissemination of nationalistic views and political statements. As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to simmer, the role of digital platforms in fostering or mitigating such divisions remains a point of concern.
As the situation evolves, it is clear that the relationship between sports figures, social media, and international diplomacy will continue to be a complex and sensitive issue. The blocking of accounts is just one example of how political tensions can spill over into the world of sports, with the digital space playing an increasingly significant role in the ongoing dialogue.