Indian Government blocks YouTube channels of Shoaib Akhtar and several other Pakistan cricketers

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Indian Government takes strict action against Pakistani Youtube channels
Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube among the list of banned channels
Complete list of Pakistani YouTube channels now banned in India

In a significant move following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, the Indian government has blocked access to several Pakistani YouTube channels, including those belonging to prominent cricketers Shoaib Akhtar, Basit Ali and Rashid Latif. The ban, announced on Monday (April 28, 2025), comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the assault that claimed the lives of 26 civilians last week.

Indian Government takes strict action against Pakistani Youtube channels

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recommended the stringent action, citing concerns over the dissemination of “provocative and communally sensitive content” and the spread of “false and misleading narratives” targeting India, its armed forces, and security agencies. The ministry stated that these channels were particularly active in propagating such content in the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy.

The blocked channels command a massive online presence, collectively boasting over 63 million subscribers. The list includes major Pakistani news organizations such as Dawn News, Samaa TV, ARY News, Bol News, Raftar, Geo News and Suno News. This widespread ban signifies a decisive step by the Indian government to curb the flow of information it deems detrimental to national security and public order.

Indian users attempting to access these channels are now met with a standard YouTube message stating, “This content is currently unavailable in this country because of an order from the government related to national security or public order.”

Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube among the list of banned channels

Among the most notable individuals affected by the crackdown is former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar. His YouTube channel, which enjoys a substantial following of over 3.5 million subscribers, including a significant number of Indian cricket enthusiasts, is known for its in-depth cricket analysis and commentary. The blocking of Akhtar’s channel, along with those of fellow former cricketers Basit Ali and Rashid Latif, highlights the broad scope of the government’s action.

This digital blockade is a direct consequence of the terror attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, where militants opened fire on tourists, resulting in the tragic deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen.

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Beyond the YouTube ban, reports suggest that the Indian government has initiated other measures in response to the Pahalgam attack, including a reported suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and directives for Pakistani citizens residing in India to depart.