Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has linked a recent power outage during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match to a retaliatory cyberattack carried out by Pakistani hackers.

 

Speaking in the National Assembly on June 14, Khawaja Asif stated, “After the Indian government and military showed aggression, our children (referring to young hackers) launched a cyberattack in response.” He claimed that the hackers managed to disrupt the IPL by shutting down the stadium lights mid-match.

 

“Our cyber warriors did a remarkable job by switching off the floodlights during an IPL match,” he added, applauding the alleged cyber operation.

 

Khawaja Asif further stated that Pakistani hackers targeted key Indian installations, including control systems of cricket stadiums and even dams. “They also hit sensitive Indian infrastructure,” he noted.

 

The incident he referred to took place on May 8 during a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Dharamshala stadium. The floodlights suddenly went off in the middle of the game, causing panic among franchise officials, team owners, and the stadium administration. The match was halted, and the crowd was instructed to evacuate for safety.

 

Despite this alleged cyberattack, Asif emphasised that Pakistan, even in response to Indian aggression, did not target innocent civilians.

 

Meanwhile, Khawaja Asif criticised India for blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident without conducting any investigation. He termed it a failed attempt by India to justify a botched operation, which led to the tragic deaths of several innocent people.