India blocks Shahid Afridi’s YouTube channel after criticism of Modi government over Pahalgam attack

India has reportedly blocked the YouTube channel of former Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi following his outspoken criticism of the Modi government’s handling and narrative surrounding the recent Pahalgam attack.

Afridi, who had earlier labeled the deadly incident a “false flag operation,” accused India of spreading propaganda and attempting to link Pakistan to the attack without evidence.

Speaking during a television interview, Afridi said India’s aggressive posture towards Pakistan was an intimidation tactic that would fail. “They are trying to scare us, but we have been in a state of conflict for a long time. Our army is so well-trained now that they simply cannot match us,” he said.

Rejecting allegations of terrorism support, Afridi added, “Who supports terrorism? Neither our country nor our religion supports it. We have been fighting terrorism for years. Our religion promotes peace.”

His comments, which went viral on social media, appear to have led to the suspension of his YouTube channel by Indian authorities. Afridi’s channel is reportedly among more than 15 Pakistani YouTube accounts blocked in India, including those of fellow former cricketers Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar, and Basit Ali.

Afridi previously lashed out at India’s national security apparatus over the Pahalgam incident. “Even if a firecracker goes off there, Pakistan is blamed. You have 800,000 troops in Kashmir, and still this happened. It means you're incompetent and can't provide security to your own people,” he said, questioning India’s internal control in the highly militarised region.

The former cricketer's remarks sparked a heated exchange with Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, who criticised Afridi on social media.

In response, Afridi posted a photo of himself on X (formerly Twitter), wearing a military-style shirt and holding a cup of tea, cheekily offering Dhawan a symbolic “chai” in reference to the famous “tea is fantastic” viral moment from past cross-border tensions.

The move to block Afridi's channel comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, with both nations trading accusations and tightening diplomatic and media restrictions.