In a significant digital crackdown following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, India has blocked the Instagram accounts of top Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The move comes amid rising tensions and stricter regulations on Pakistani content within Indian cyberspace.
Cricketers’ Instagram Profiles No Longer Visible in India
The three star cricketers — currently playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 for Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, and Lahore Qalandars — have seen their Instagram accounts restricted from Indian users. Those attempting to view the profiles are met with a message citing “legal request compliance” as the reason for the restriction.
Backdrop: The Deadly Pahalgam Terror Attack
The crackdown comes in the wake of a deadly terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where gunmen opened fire on tourists near a scenic meadow. The assault claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one Kashmiri local, leading to heightened security and diplomatic tensions.
India’s Broader Crackdown on Pakistani Digital Presence
Following the incident, Indian authorities have expanded efforts to limit Pakistani influence on digital platforms, particularly targeting profiles and channels with large Indian audiences. Instagram accounts of multiple Pakistani celebrities and athletes are being reviewed and, in many cases, restricted.
Arshad Nadeem’s Instagram Also Blocked
Among others, Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has also had his Instagram account blocked in India. Nadeem, known for defeating Neeraj Chopra at the Paris Olympics, recently declined an invitation to compete in Chopra’s NC Classic javelin event scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru.
Pakistani YouTube Channels Also Withheld
Earlier in the same week, India withheld access to several Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly spreading “provocative, communally sensitive content” and “misinformation targeting India, its Army, and security agencies.”
Prominent names affected include:
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Dawn News
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ARY News
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BOL News
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Geo News
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SAMAA TV
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Samaa Sports
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GNN
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Uzair Cricket
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Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, Umar Cheema Exclusive, and others.
Ex-Cricketers Also Affected — But Not Fully Blocked Yet
While the Instagram accounts of Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Shaheen have been blocked, former cricketers Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, and Basit Ali have only seen their YouTube presence restricted, with their Instagram profiles still accessible in India, at least for now.
Pakistani Celebrities Also Face Restrictions
The wave of digital censorship has extended to the entertainment industry as well. Popular actors Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar are among the celebrities whose Instagram profiles are no longer viewable in India, further underscoring the growing digital divide between the two countries.
Conclusion: Rising Digital and Diplomatic Tensions
The blocking of these accounts reflects the intensifying geopolitical strain between India and Pakistan. As social media becomes a front in diplomatic battles, Pakistani influencers, athletes, and news outlets face increasing censorship in India — a trend that shows no signs of slowing.
