Pakistan Government have directed Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) not to air the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Pakistan. Meanwhile, IPL 2019 will start from March 23 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chepauk Stadium.
However, the decision comes in the wake of the Indian Government’s decision to ban Pakistan Super League (PSL) games in India after the Pulwama attack. IMG-R also scrapped their sponsorship deal in the middle of the tournament. The Pulwama Terror attack on February 14 created a stir countrywide as a Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) rammed an explosives-laden car into a CRPF bus, killing at least 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded. On the back of it, India have cut several ties with the neighbouring country. Meanwhile, there have been calls for a boycott of Pakistan match in the upcoming World Cup. However, the match has garnered a massive craze among the fans in England. The authorities have already received 400000 application for tickets for a 25000 seater stadium in Manchester.
Pakistan not to cover IPL games
Recently, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir also called for a complete boycott for Pakistan games. In retaliation to all, Pakistan have taken the decision to ban IPL games in their country. As per reports, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) will ensure that the ban on IPL coverage must be implemented in its true letters and spirit. A seemingly possible ban means that IPL will lose multi-million dollar lucrative Pakistani market; second only to India in the cricketing world. PEMRA have forwarded the draft in the regard to the cabinet for approval before they implement the decision.
Meanwhile, considering the growing tension between the countries, Pakistan players don’t take part in the IPL while Indian players are debarred from taking part in the PSL.
BCCI earlier in this came out with the full schedule of the group stages which will end of May 5. Previously, they released the itinerary only for the first two weeks till April 5. And with the General Election dates out, BCCI have come out with the full schedule after discussing with the authorities. The final of the tournament is likely to take place on May 12.