Melbourne Test broadcast in Pakistan cleared of betting advertisements

The broadcast of the ongoing Test series between Pakistan and Australia faced disruption in Pakistan, as the state broadcaster PTV suspended coverage on the first day of the Boxing Day Test. 

This decision was prompted by the inclusion of superimposed advertisements from a gambling sponsor in the broadcast feed provided to the Pakistani market.

Ten Sports, another broadcaster with rights to air the series, continued to broadcast the game despite PTV's suspension. The inclusion of betting sponsors in the coverage raised concerns, leading Pakistan's Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to issue a notification prohibiting the broadcast or distribution of advertisements from surrogate companies promoting gambling or betting during sporting events in the country.

Initially, there were uncertainties about whether the Test would be broadcast in Pakistan at all. Ten Sports continued to broadcast the game on the second day with a betting sponsor superimposed into the on-field coverage.

In response to PEMRA's directive, it is now understood that the feed provided to Pakistan will no longer include advertisements that may violate local laws related to gambling promotion. This development paves the way for PTV to resume live coverage of the Test series in Pakistan.

PTV had previously issued a statement citing adherence to the government's "zero tolerance policy" for surrogate advertising and expressed the intention to resolve the matter with the relevant broadcaster. The clean feed, free from controversial advertisements, is expected to be provided to Pakistan imminently, allowing the resumption of live broadcast on PTV.

It is worth noting that the first Test was initially broadcast without interruption on both PTV and private broadcasters.