Cricketer-turned-commentator Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel ‘100mph’ was blocked in India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives in the Kashmir Valley.
Akhtar, widely followed in India for his cricket analysis and commentary, was among 16 Pakistani YouTube channels banned by the Indian government. The blocked platforms, which together had around 63 million subscribers, include prominent Pakistani news outlets such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News, and Suno News.
Akhtar, known for his outspoken commentary, has had his YouTube channel blocked in India amid allegations that it, along with several other Pakistani channels, was spreading false narratives that could escalate tensions between the two countries.
Akhtar’s channel, which had over 3.5 million subscribers, was among a broader crackdown by the Indian government targeting 16 Pakistani YouTube channels. These platforms were accused of disseminating content that criticized the Indian Army, promoted anti-India rhetoric, and misrepresented details surrounding the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian viewers attempting to access these channels now encounter a standard YouTube message citing restrictions due to concerns over national security or public order.
Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla reaffirmed that India would not engage in bilateral cricket with Pakistan. He condemned the terror attack, which was carried out by members of The Resistance Front, and involved gunmen opening fire on tourists in the Kashmir Valley, killing 26 people.
