Amid high drama and controversy, SonyLIV streamed the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match on September 14. Calls for a boycott had intensified earlier this year after the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack, with a section of Indian viewers demanding that SonyLIV and the BCCI cancel the broadcast. Despite the outcry, the telecast went ahead, drawing both boycotters and cricket fans who still tuned in to witness the much-anticipated rivalry.
But instead of capitalising on the hype, SonyLIV faltered. The much-promoted livestream was marred by technical glitches, turning what should have been a golden opportunity into a disappointment.
Audio Failure at Crucial Moments
Viewers complained that parts of the match, including the final overs, were broadcast without commentary or crowd sound. Paying subscribers took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam the streamer for leaving them with a mute feed during the biggest moments of the game.
Frame Freezes and Poor Quality
The platform also faced repeated frame freezes, breaking the flow of the action. On top of that, several users highlighted inconsistent audio and video quality, calling the overall experience unworthy of a premium subscription.
A PR Disaster for SonyLIV
For SonyLIV, choosing to go ahead with the telecast despite boycott calls was a calculated gamble. However, the failure to deliver a stable and high-quality stream has left many questioning the platform’s reliability. In today’s competitive digital landscape, where live sports rights cost billions and alternatives like JioHotstar are readily available, fans expect seamless delivery.
SonyLIV’s struggles during one of cricket’s biggest fixtures have turned a high-profile event into a PR setback. For Indian viewers, the episode is a reminder that technical reliability must match the hype — otherwise, no amount of marketing can save the show.