In a development that has sparked widespread discussion across cricketing circles and social media platforms, several Instagram accounts belonging to prominent Pakistani cricketers have reportedly become inaccessible to users in India. The affected profiles include those of national team captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, among others.

Indian users attempting to access these profiles are being met with a message stating that the content is “not available in your region,” prompting speculation of a region-specific restriction enforced either by Meta, Instagram’s parent company, or at the behest of Indian authorities.

Public Reaction and Speculation

Fans from both nations have expressed confusion and concern over the apparent restriction. While there has been no official statement from Instagram or government bodies in either India or Pakistan, users began noticing the block late on Sunday night.

Social media was soon flooded with screenshots and hashtags such as #BabarAzamBlocked and #UnblockPakCricketers, reflecting mounting frustration among cricket fans ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, a tournament that traditionally fuels cross-border cricketing fervor.

"This is unnecessary censorship. Sports and politics should be kept separate," said Ali Khan, a Pakistani cricket blogger, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Indian fans too voiced similar sentiments. "I follow Babar because I enjoy his batting, not his nationality," commented a user from Delhi.

Possible Reasons Behind the Move

While no concrete reason has been confirmed, digital rights activists and analysts point to a growing pattern of online restrictions between the two countries, particularly involving high-profile personalities. It's not the first time that content from one country has been limited in the other due to geopolitical tensions.

“Such moves often occur in the lead-up to politically sensitive periods or major sporting events,” said Meenakshi Roy, a digital policy expert based in Bangalore. “If this is a result of a directive, it raises questions about transparency and consistency in content governance.”

Others believe it might be part of Instagram’s automated moderation tools, though such geo-blocking typically requires direct instruction or a request from local authorities.

No Response From Meta or BCCI

As of Monday morning, Meta has not issued an official response regarding the reported blocks. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also declined to comment when contacted.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), meanwhile, issued a brief statement saying it is "aware of the reports and is seeking further information."

"We are looking into this matter. Our players have fans across the globe, including in India, and we value that connection," a PCB spokesperson told local media.

A Pattern or an Isolated Incident?

Observers have noted that this isn't an isolated case. Past instances have seen YouTube channels, TikTok profiles, and even live broadcasts facing access issues based on the country of origin. However, the blocking of individual athlete profiles — particularly in the era of athlete-led digital branding — is being viewed as a more personal and impactful development.

With millions of followers across South Asia, cricketers like Babar Azam and Rizwan have cultivated a strong social media presence. Blocking their accounts from a market as large as India could have implications not just for fan engagement, but also for digital sponsorships and brand outreach.

What’s Next?

Until there is official clarification, fans are left guessing — and hoping — for a resolution. Whether the restriction is temporary or permanent remains to be seen.

For now, the ball is in Instagram's court.