IMG Reliance stops broadcasting PSL matches after Pulwama attack
In what has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in Kashmir, at least 40 CRPF personnel were recently killed in Pulwama. As a result, the prevalent sentiment among Indians is to cut off all contact with Pakistan. Echoing the same, Pakistan Super League (PSL) broadcaster IMG Reliance has decided to pull the plug from broadcasting the tournament.
In a mailed statement to PTI, IMG Reliance has said that "Due to unfortunate events a couple of days back which resulted in the death of Indian soldiers, IMG Reliance is pulling out with immediate effect, from offering broadcast production services for PSL." IMG Reliance was the sole worldwide broadcaster of the tournament, and its withdrawal means the tournament will go off air globally.
The PSL was broadcast in India by DSport, which decided to stop telecasting the tournament's matches starting Sunday, February 17. Moreover, Cricbuzz has decided to remove all content regarding the PSL from their website. The Indian fantasy sports platform called Dream 11 has also removed PSL from its list of tournaments.
Meanwhile, in his interview with ESPNCricinfo, Pakistan Cricket Board's Managing Director Wasim Khan has said that PCB always had a contingency plan in place, and will be "in a position to announce the new partner on Monday after the completion of the formalities". PSL is a tournament between six sides and was being played in UAE. It was later to be shifted to Pakistan.
