Companies usually exist to maximize value for the shareholders, but at certain times, other concerns can be more pressing.
Several Indian companies have cut ties with Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attacks which had left over 40 CRPF jawans dead. As the nation had watched the death toll unfold with horror, Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad had taken responsibility for the attacks. While the Indian government had immediately responded, revoking Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation as a trading partner, raising import tariffs by 200%, and withdrawing security for Hurriyat leaders, Indian corporates have begun responding on their own. Here how some companies have reacted to the attacks.
1.Cricbuzz: Times Internet-owned cricket website Cricbuzz decided to stop providing coverage for the PSL, Pakistan’s domestic T20 league. Cricbuzz is the most popular cricket website in the world, and has a large audience in Pakistan. Pakistani fans weren’t happy — they started giving Cricbuzz 1-star ratings on the Google Play store as retaliation, but this was met by a corresponding campaign on Indian social media, with Indians giving the app 5-star ratings.
2. IMG Reliance: IMG Reliance, which was producing the Pakistan Cricket League, withdrew from its contract on Sunday. This means that the Pakistan Cricket Board now needs to find an alternate producer if it wishes to televise the league, which is being held in UAE.
3. DSport: Even if PCB can find an alternate producer, the league won’t be shown in India. DSport, which had the rights for televising the league on its channel, has said that it will no longer be broadcasting the league.”We’ve suspended the broadcast,” a channel official said.
4. Dream11: Bangalore-based Fantasy sport company Dream11, which was running fantasy games around the Pakistan Super League, has stopped all matches on its platform. Dream 11 users will no longer be allowed to build leagues around PSL matches.
5. All India Cine Workers Association: The All India Cine Workers Association, one of the most prominent associations in Bollywood, has said that it will no longer work with Pakistani artists. “We’re officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani Actors and Artists working in Film Industry. Still if any organisation insists on working with Pakistani Artists will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them. Nation comes first, we stand with our nation,” the association said in a statement.