AUS vs PAK: PTV Sports discontinues live coverage amidst betting company backlash

Cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan are in for an unexpected disruption as PTV Sports, the official broadcasting partner of the Pakistan Cricket Board has abruptly halted the live coverage of the ongoing Australia versus Pakistan Test series. 

The channel made an unprecedented move following a directive from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, emphasising a "zero tolerance" stance against surrogate betting companies.

In a statement on 'X', PTV Sports explained: “Pakistan Television (PTV Sports) adhering to the Government of Pakistan’s policy, ‘Zero tolerance for the surrogate Companies’ has discontinued airing the second Test match from Melbourne being played from December 26th, 2023 in lieu of the Pakistan vs Australia Cricket Series 2023-24."

According to PTV Sports, they have raised the issue with the parent broadcaster in Australia to remove virtual advertising of on-ground surrogate companies. The live telecast of the series will resume once the matter is resolved. 

“PTV has taken up the issue with the parent broadcaster, reported to PEMRA & the other relevant stakeholders to remove the brand placements of on-ground surrogate companies' advertisements (virtual advertising).”

PTV, being a state broadcaster, is striving to resolve the issue to avoid future blackouts of such transmissions in Pakistan. IBM has also issued an advisory to all other ministries, urging them not to cooperate with any illegally operating surrogate companies in the country and warning media outlets against promoting such companies through advertisements. 

“The series will be telecast live once the matter is resolved. PTV as a state broadcaster is endeavoring to get the issue resolved to avoid future blackouts of such transmissions in the territory of Pakistan,” added PTV.

During the live broadcast of the Australia-Pakistan Test on PTV Sports, the logos of two surrogate companies were repeatedly displayed for several hours across multiple days. Going forward, viewers can watch the ongoing Test live on Ten Sports in Pakistan, as well as on Tamasha and Tapmad.