In a strong move aimed at curbing anti-national content, the Indian government has blocked Shahid Afridi YouTube channel across India. The decision follows the former Pakistani cricketer’s controversial comments on the Indian Army in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 36 lives.
Afridi’s remarks were widely criticized as disrespectful and inflammatory. Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan responded sharply, stating, “First improve your own country before commenting on ours. We’re proud of our army.”
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting acted under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, citing reasons of national security and public order.
This ban is part of a larger digital crackdown — India has recently blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including those of major news outlets, for spreading misinformation and anti-India propaganda.
As of now, Indian users trying to access Afridi’s channel are met with a message:
“This content is not available in your country due to a legal complaint.”
This development sends a strong message on the limits of digital speech when it challenges national security or public harmony.
