In a surprising turn of events, Indian social media users are now unable to access the Instagram accounts of top Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. This development follows a similar action taken earlier against Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, whose Instagram presence was also restricted in India.
The move has raised eyebrows on both sides of the border. Indian fans of Babar Azam, who had long followed the star batter for his cricketing skills and updates, were caught off guard when his profile suddenly became unavailable. Similar restrictions seem to apply to Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, two of Pakistan’s most prominent players in recent years.
But the digital crackdown hasn’t stopped there. YouTube channels belonging to former Pakistani cricketers such as Shoaib Akhtar, Basit Ali, and Shahid Afridi have also reportedly been blocked from viewing within India. Though no official announcement has been made, multiple media outlets suggest that these actions are being taken on the orders of the Indian government.
The timing of these social media bans coincides with rising political tensions between the two countries. Following the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir, Indian authorities have pointed the finger at Pakistan, even though concrete evidence is yet to be presented. In the wake of these accusations, there appears to be a push to limit Pakistani narratives and visibility within Indian digital spaces.
Many in Pakistan see these steps as more than just a reaction to security concerns. Critics argue that it reflects a broader attempt to control narratives and foster an atmosphere of hostility, especially in the lead-up to international events like the ICC tournaments or diplomatic engagements.
The move has sparked considerable debate online. While some Indian users have supported the restrictions, citing national security, many others have expressed disappointment, emphasizing that cricket and culture should remain above politics. Pakistani social media users, on the other hand, have voiced concerns about growing censorship and the silencing of sports figures and public personalities who have nothing to do with political conflict.
At a time when tensions between India and Pakistan remain fragile, such digital bans risk further alienating the public on both sides. In an era where sports often bridge divides, many are calling for cooler heads to prevail—and for a clear distinction between politics and public figures who inspire through their achievements, not their allegiances.
