Australia vs Pakistan: PTV takes Test off air after betting advertisements in broadcast
Pakistan's state broadcaster PTV took the men's cricket team's second Test against Australia off air to adhere to local laws.
Pakistan state broadcaster PTV had not broadcast the first day of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and Pakistan after a gambling sponsor's graphic was superimposed into the coverage. However, Ten Sports, which also has rights to the series, continued to broadcast the game. As a result, Pakistan will be provided an advertisement-free feed going forward.
Pakistan's Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a notification prohibiting "broadcast/distribution of advertisement of surrogate companies which are promoting gambling/betting in different sporting events being telecast/broadcast in the country".
It raised concerns over the Test series not being broadcast in Pakistan, though Ten Sports continued to showcase the fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
More from Sports NewsIf Pakistan do get a feed which adheres to the local laws, the game will theoretically return to the TV screens on PTV as well.
PTV had issued a statement on Wednesday saying they decided to remove coverage to abide by the government's "zero tolerance policy" for advertising and "had taken up the issue with the relevant broadcaster", saying the "series will be telecast live once the matter is resolved".
The first Test, in Perth, had no such concerns and was broadcast on PTV and private broadcasters without interruption.
Shreyas Iyer calls for quicker adaptation after 'rough patch' during England T20 tour: 'Have to stay in present'
Rohit Sharma finally responds to growing speculation over his India future: 'Let the noise be there'
Shubman Gill pins India's loss on death-over lapses after England run riot: 'We gave away lot of runs'
Rohit shines with historic Lord's ton, but England seal series 2-1
India and England players don black armbands, observe minute's silence at Lord's to honour Sir Garfield Sobers