“IPL was stopped, floodlights hacked by our children”- Pakistan defence minister’s bizarre claims

Khawaja Asif, Pakistan's defense minister, made an odd statement in front of the parliament that sparked a lot of backlash on social media. Speaking in the Pakistani Parliament, Asif said that during the May near-war situation between India and Pakistan, Pakistanis had compromised a stadium floodlight during an IPL 2025 match.

The IPL 2025 match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala was called off as blackout orders were issued by the administration. This was because Pakistani drones were attacking Pathankot in India, which is barely kilometers away from the Dharamshala stadium.

The IPL 2025 was also paused, only to be resumed 10 days later and completed on June 3 instead of May 26.

“Cyber attacks done by our children, IPL floodlights hacked”- Pakistan minister Khawaja Asif

Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s claims in parliament drew widespread backlash on social media. During his address in the Pakistani Parliament, Asif claimed that Pakistani hackers were behind the disruption of stadium floodlights during an IPL 2025 match amid the near-war tensions with India in May.

“The IPL was stopped and the lights of the stadium were turned off, waters in the dams were released, all these cyber attacks were done by our children,” Asif said while addressing the Pakistan Parliament.

He added to the mockery by asserting that the so-called Pakistani hackers also released dam waters. During his address, Asif seemed to endorse these actions, which sparked harsh responses and online derision.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 6, saw high tensions between India and Pakistan, which later led to the suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025).

During increased border tensions in May 2025, India allegedly conducted a clandestine cyber operation against Pakistan known as Operation Indoor. The operation purportedly targeted Pakistan's digital infrastructure, including deactivating surveillance equipment and interfering with communication networks.

Media reports indicate that the mission was a strategic reaction to previous cyber provocations, despite India's lack of formal confirmation. The operation sought to convey a powerful deterrent message while showcasing India's expanding cyberwarfare capabilities.

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