In a significant development that could impact the reach of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 in India, streaming platform FanCode has decided to cease its coverage of the tournament effective immediately. The move comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident, which has reportedly raised concerns around security and diplomatic sensitivities related to Indian nationals involved in PSL activities.
The incident in question has not been officially elaborated upon in full detail, but sources indicate it involved a situation concerning the safety and movement of Indian personnel associated with the PSL—be it as part of the broadcast crew, logistical staff, or other affiliated roles. Reports suggest that following the incident, Indian nationals present in Pakistan for PSL duties have been advised to restrict their movements and are expected to return home at the earliest opportunity.
FanCode, which held exclusive digital streaming rights for the PSL in India, issued an internal communication confirming that they would be halting live telecasts of the league starting today. While no formal public statement had been released at the time of writing, sources close to the matter confirmed that the decision was influenced by both safety advisories and growing political sensitivities in the wake of the incident.
This sudden disruption is likely to disappoint a large section of Indian cricket fans who had been following the league on FanCode. PSL has garnered a niche but growing viewership in India over recent years, with cricket enthusiasts tuning in to watch their favorite international stars and emerging talents from Pakistan’s domestic circuit. The league has seen several high-intensity games this season, with players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Fakhar Zaman delivering standout performances.
From a business standpoint, this decision marks a significant pause in FanCode’s international cricket offerings, especially considering that PSL was one of the few foreign T20 leagues they covered in the subcontinent. For the PSL, the move may mean a considerable drop in digital viewership numbers from India, affecting both reach and advertising potential for the remainder of the tournament.
The situation also highlights the challenges of operating cross-border sporting events in politically sensitive regions. While sport is often seen as a bridge across political divides, it remains vulnerable to external events, especially when they concern national security and public sentiment.
It is yet unclear whether any Indian broadcasters or platforms will step in to resume coverage of the PSL 2025 in India or if FanCode’s decision will stand through the remainder of the season. Much will depend on how the situation develops and whether conditions are deemed safe for Indian personnel to continue operations in Pakistan.
For now, fans in India will be left without an official streaming option to watch the PSL live, and the organizers will have to navigate the impact of this withdrawal on the league’s global broadcast strategy.
As the story unfolds, cricket fans and industry stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see what steps the PSL governing council and Indian broadcasters take next.