India-Pakistan conflict: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Pakistani cyber operatives had successfully interfered with Indian infrastructure during the recent conflict sparked by Operation Sindoor. Speaking in Parliament, Asif alleged that “our cyber warriors did wonders” by remotely switching off floodlights during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match.

Pakistan alleges sabotage of IPL floodlights

According to Asif, Pakistani hackers targeted key Indian installations, including the control systems of cricket stadiums and even dams. The most bizarre claim involved shutting off floodlights mid-game, a bold assertion that has yet to be backed by any technical proof.

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The timing of this announcement is notable. It comes weeks after India’s military launched Operation Sindoor, a large-scale retaliation against terror networks in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Many analysts believe Asif’s remarks are an attempt to distract from domestic challenges and portray strength after a firm Indian response.

Air raid scare halted IPL in Dharamsala

Interestingly, the IPL 2025 season was indeed affected by regional tensions during Operation Sindoor. During a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala, floodlights went out during the 11th over prompting speculation. However, it was later confirmed that an air raid alert, not a cyberattack, had triggered the outage. Emergency protocols were activated immediately, ensuring the safe evacuation of players and fans.

The incident heightened security concerns, prompting the BCCI to suspend the tournament for a week. The disruption, however, did not derail the tournament entirely.

Despite the conflict and temporary suspension, IPL 2025 concluded successfully with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) winning their maiden title after 18 seasons.

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Social media reacts

Meanwhile, the Defence Minister’s bizarre claim that the country’s cyber warriors shut off IPL floodlights in India triggered a wave of ridicule online. On X (formerly Twitter), users responded with biting sarcasm. “First pay your due electricity bill online,” one user mocked, referencing Pakistan’s chronic power outages. Another commented, “What is wrong with Pakistan at a root level? How are they so detached from reality?” The minister’s unverified boast, made in Parliament, has not only raised doubts about Pakistan’s technical capabilities but also sparked widespread criticism over what many see as an attempt to deflect from internal governance failures.