Akeal Hosein MS Dhoni for CSK. Image Credits: CSK/AFP
CSK spinner Akeal Hosein was recently caught watching prohibited content related to Pakistan in India. Fans quickly spotted it and criticised the West Indies senior for his actions.
Hosein is currently playing for CSK. However, due to combination and fitness issues, he has been benched. Regardless, the spinner is using his free time to watch some cricket, but that landed him in a big controversy.
IPL player Akeal Hosein caught watching the PSL in India
Recently, Akeal Hosein uploaded a picture on Instagram where he was watching the PSL 2026 game between the Multan Sultans and the Rawalpindiz. He was cheering for Dian Forrester, who scored 24 off 11 balls for the Pindiz.
However, the Instagram post caught fans’ attention. Hosein, who is currently staying in India with CSK, was able to access PSL while the league is banned in the country.
FanCode stopped streaming the PSL in India in April 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack and the armed conflict that followed in May.
Not only that, for the PSL 2026 season, Tapmad announced free streaming for Indian audiences. However, the central government took swift action and banned the app immediately.
So officially, PSL isn’t broadcast legally inside India anymore. So, the question arises, how was Akeal Hosein able to watch PSL live from his hotel room?
Also Read - Can CSK Fix Their Death Bowling In IPL 2026? 3 Changes They Must Make NOW
Akeal Hosein may have used a VPN
One possible explanation behind Akeal Hosein watching PSL in India is a VPN. He is a Caribbean international cricketer with access to Willow TV. Hence, Hosein may have used a VPN to manipulate his geographical location and access the game live.
However, the issue is less about viewing and more about public sharing. Posting PSL content while in India can be seen as ignoring a sensitive national decision and disrespecting public sentiment post-attack.
Hence, even if technically not illegal, it becomes a PR and optics problem, especially for CSK. For now, neither Akeal Hosein nor CSK have come forward to address the speculation.
CSK to get a big boost after a disastrous start
That being said, CSK had the worst start to their IPL 2026 campaign as they stand at the bottom of the table with three losses in as many games.
Amidst this, Chennai are expected to get a boost as MS Dhoni is set to undergo a fitness test. Dhoni has been out with a calf strain picked up before the season.
He hasn’t been travelling with the squad for away games. But if Dhoni manages to clear this test, he may be available for the team’s upcoming game against the Delhi Capitals on April 11 at Chepauk.
Apart from MS Dhoni, Dewald Brevis is also close to returning. He missed the first three matches due to a side strain but travelled with the squad while not being fully fit.
Regardless, CSK coach Stephen Fleming said that Dewald Brevis should be fit and ready for the next game.
Also Read - After Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Another CSK Player Falls To Injury
