Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which has been airing and streaming Pakistani TV shows through its brand Zee Zindagi, has also pulled all Pakistani content from its streaming platform, ZEE5, company sources said on condition of anonymity. It has also removed Pakistani content from the YouTube channel Zee Zindagi.
The Indian TV broadcaster had, in the past, suspended Pakistani content from its platforms following the 2016 Uri attack.
The fate of the upcoming Asia Cup is also under a cloud, as India’s matches against Pakistan are uncertain due to the tough stance adopted by the Indian government in the wake of the attack, industry sources noted.
The highly anticipated India-Pakistan fixture, scheduled for September-October, is a major draw for audiences and advertisers alike. With the marquee clash now uncertain, the tournament’s overall value is at risk.SPNI had last year secured the Asia Cup media rights for $170 million.BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said the cricket board will do whatever the government asks it to do. “We are with the victims, and we condemn it. Whatever our government will say, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government’s stand, and we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward. But when it comes to ICC events, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware-whatever is happening,” Shukla told a news channel.
While the Indian team has not played Pakistan in bilateral matches since 2012-2013, the two teams have continued to face each other in International Cricket Council and Asian Cricket Council tournaments.
Apart from cricket and TV shows, Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s Hindi film ‘Abir Gulaal’, which was slated to release on May 9, is also facing opposition and is unlikely to release in the country.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) said the film will not be allowed to be released in India. The film has been facing opposition from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena even before the attack.
