Cyber Warriors or Just Claims? Did Pakistan Really Shut Down IPL Floodlights?

Islamabad (Punjab) [Pakistan], June 16:  Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif surprised many when he claimed in Parliament that Pakistani cyber warriors switched off stadium floodlights during an IPL match in India. He also said the same hackers opened dam waters in India. His bold claim came during a serious assembly session, but many online users could not stop laughing. The incident he pointed at was a technical failure during a match in Dharamshala on May 8 this year.

IPL Match Disruption Turns Into Viral Debate

During the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, three towers of floodlights stopped working around the 11th over. The game was cancelled, and the stadium was cleared for safety. Preity Zinta, owner of Punjab Kings, also helped by urging fans to vacate the stadium. At the time, organisers had said it was due to a technical problem, not any hacking. However, Khawaja Asif’s recent comments gave the old incident a new twist, bringing the IPL into a political and cyber security discussion once again.

Social Media Users Roast Minister's Statement

The minister’s speech quickly went viral, and people on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) had a field day. One user joked, “If switching off lights is hacking, then my nephew is a cyber warrior too—he once unplugged the WiFi.” Another wrote, “IPL floodlights don’t run on WiFi; you can’t hack them like a school project.” Many Indian users said such claims were funny but also showed how loosely big statements are made without proof.

Not The First Time For Minister Asif

Khawaja Asif has made controversial remarks before. In a past interview, he said Pakistan had shot down five Indian jets. But when asked for proof, he simply replied, “It’s all over social media.” The anchor was left stunned, asking for real evidence. This time again, Asif’s remarks are being taken lightly, with many calling it a desperate attempt to show cyber strength. Even Pakistan’s own citizens seemed confused and amused by the statement.

Real Concerns Hidden Behind Online Jokes

While the internet is laughing, some experts feel such comments should be made carefully, especially by senior ministers. In today’s world, cyber attacks are real and dangerous, but mixing fiction with facts can reduce the seriousness of real threats. Many suggest that both countries should focus on cooperation in digital safety. For now, the IPL hacking story seems more like a plot of a drama series than a real headline.