Pakistan Expels 23 Indian Staff Amid Escalating Tensions After Pahalgam Incident
In a sharp response to rising diplomatic strains, Pakistan has expelled 23 Indian nationals working for a Pakistan Super League (PSL) broadcast partner, following the recent Pahalgam incident in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The expelled individuals were part of a technical team hired by a broadcasting company to cover the 10th edition of the HBL PSL, which kicked off on April 11 and is scheduled to continue until May 18.
Tensions flared after Indian streaming service FanCode halted HBL PSL live coverage and removed all related content, including match highlights, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. In retaliation, Pakistani authorities ordered the immediate removal of the Indian crew.
A security official confirmed that the 23 Indian staff members were escorted to the Wagah border under VIP protection, completing customs and immigration procedures before being sent back to India.
This development comes amid heightened border restrictions as relations between the two nuclear-armed nations continue to deteriorate. Organizers of the HBL PSL had initially provided top-level security for the Indian technical team, recognizing their significance in the league’s international media coverage.
Sources also indicated that Sony Network, which holds satellite broadcasting rights for the PSL in India, might reconsider its involvement, raising fresh doubts about the league’s visibility among Indian audiences.
The expulsion of Indian media workers marks a rare but notable escalation in the realm of sports diplomacy. Experts warn that this could have serious implications for future cricket events like the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy, where cooperation between India and Pakistan is essential.
“This retaliatory move highlights just how fragile cricket diplomacy has become between the two countries,” commented a senior sports journalist.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) issued a stern warning on Thursday, stating that any Indian attempt to block Pakistan’s water flow would be considered an act of war.
This statement came after a high-level NSC meeting that also approved the closure of the Wagah border. The measures were a response to India’s actions following a deadly assault in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
The Prime Minister’s Office condemned India’s measures, calling them “unilateral, unjust, politically driven, highly irresponsible, and lacking any legal basis,” adding that India’s response violated international laws, UN Security Council resolutions, and bilateral treaties.
