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India Strikes Back! Pakistan Cricketers, YouTubers Report Financial Loss After Ban

Akshita Patel

Pakistan suffer after India retaliates [Source: @TrandingKing, @blackmaskcri, @cover_pointt/X.com]Pakistan suffer after India retaliates [Source: @TrandingKing, @blackmaskcri, @cover_pointt/X.com]

Several Pakistani YouTubers and former cricketers, such as Shoaib Akhtar, risk losing heavy amounts of money following the Indian government's blocking of their YouTube channels. This move came after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed.

Since the deadly attack unfolded last month, the Indian government has been hitting back in every possible capacity. After ending the Indus Water Treaty and ousting Pakistani nationals, the government blocked social media accounts and YouTube channels of popular Pakistani celebrities.

This ban has seemingly impacted Pakistan heavily, with the loss of audience from India causing colossal losses.

Pakistan YouTube Revenue Affected After Indian Government’s Ban

In response to the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack, India took strong action, including blocking 16 Pakistani YouTube accounts that were accessible in India. 

Shoaib Akhtar, who has a huge following on YouTube, gained massive popularity by praising Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. 

Many other Pakistani creators, including Wasay Habib, followed his path, building channels focused on cricket and India-related content. A big part of their income came from Indian viewers through YouTube ads. 

However, one Pakistani social media expert explained that losing Indian viewership means a steep drop in ad revenue. With India being a major source of views and money, the ban will hit many of these creators hard, not just financially but also in terms of reach and visibility.

In addition to Shoaib Akhtar, other YouTubers like Wasay Habib and news channels such as Geo News and Samaa TV were also blocked.

The impact didn’t stop with YouTube. Instagram accounts of Pakistani cricket stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi were also blocked in India after a legal request. Even popular Pakistani celebrities like Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, and Ali Zafar have been affected.

Asia Cup 2025 In Jeopardy Amid IND-PAK Tensions

Despite rising tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, the BCCI has not requested the ICC to separate the two countries in upcoming tournaments. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla clarified that any decision will depend on government direction. 

The Asia Cup 2025, which India is set to host, may follow a neutral venue model like 2023. However, high media rights value makes India-Pakistan matches commercially vital, delaying final decisions on groupings and venues.