Why were the Instagram accounts of Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Shaheen blocked in India?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Instagram accounts of top Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi have been blocked in India following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. This article explores the implications of this digital restriction amid rising tensions and the broader crackdown on social media accounts from Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi have had their Instagram accounts blocked in India.
- The move follows the tragic Pahalgam terror attack.
- The Indian government is cracking down on Pakistani social media accounts.
- Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem also faced restrictions.
- Several Pakistani YouTube channels have been banned in India.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) Prominent Pakistani cricketers, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have seen their Instagram accounts suspended in India following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities.
The trio is engaged in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, where they represent Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, and Lahore Qalandars, respectively. However, Indian users are now unable to access their Instagram profiles, receiving a notification that states compliance with a legal request to limit content within the country.
This action is part of a wider initiative following the terrorist attack on April 22 in Kashmir, which took the lives of 25 tourists and one local Kashmiri when gunmen opened fire in a meadow near the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam.
In light of these events, the Indian government has initiated measures to restrict social media accounts from Pakistan that hold substantial followings in India.
Additionally, Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem also faced a block on his Instagram account in India on Thursday. Nadeem, who triumphed over India’s Neeraj Chopra at the Paris Olympics, had recently turned down an invitation to join Chopra’s NC Classic javelin event scheduled for May 24 in Bengaluru.
Earlier this week, numerous Pakistani YouTube channels were also banned in India for “spreading provocative and communally sensitive content” and “misinformation targeting India, its Army, and security forces.”
Former cricketers Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, and Basit Ali were among those whose YouTube reach was curtailed. Interestingly, their Instagram accounts remain accessible for the time being, unlike those of Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen.
Other renowned Pakistani figures, including actors Mahira Khan and Ali Zafar, have also encountered restrictions on their Instagram accounts in India, illustrating a significant digital blockade amidst escalating bilateral tensions.
Furthermore, many additional Pakistani YouTube channels have been banned in India for disseminating provocative and communally sensitive material, as well as false narratives aimed at India, its Army, and security agencies.
Among the channels affected are Dawn News, Irshad Bhatti, SAMAA TV, ARY NEWS, BOL NEWS, Raftar, The Pakistan Reference, Geo News, Samaa Sports, GNN, Uzair Cricket, Umar Cheema Exclusive, Asma Shirazi, Muneeb Farooq, SUNO News HD, and Razi Naama.
Point of View
I recognize the delicate nature of this situation. The blocking of these social media accounts reflects a broader trend of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. It is crucial to consider the implications of such actions on bilateral relations and the impact on fans and athletes alike.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Instagram accounts blocked?
The accounts were blocked following the Pahalgam terror attack, as part of a crackdown on Pakistani social media accounts with significant Indian followings.
Who are the cricketers affected?
The affected cricketers are Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
What other accounts were affected?
Other accounts, including that of Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, were also blocked, along with several Pakistani YouTube channels.
What are the reasons for the restrictions?
The restrictions were imposed due to the content deemed provocative and sensitive, following rising tensions between the two nations.
How is this affecting fans?
These restrictions limit Indian fans' access to content from their favorite athletes, increasing the divide between the two nations.
