Pakistani fans wearily woke up on Tuesday to watch the Boxing Day test match between against Australia, only to find that the state broadcaster PTV Sports was not showing the game at all.

According to statement issued by PTV Sports later in the day, the match’s boradcast had indeed been discontinued. And the reason was the government’s policy on betting advertisements.

“Pakistan Television (PTV Sports) adhering to the Government of Pakistan’s policy “Zero tolerance for surrogate companies” has discontinued airing the second match…” the statement said.

It had been revealed during the first match that although betting company ads had not been placed in the ground, they were being placed ‘virtually’ on the ground in the Pakistani broadcast.

After the matter became known, the information ministry had written a letter to multiple government departments to remind them that such ads were banned.

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulator Authority as well as the Pakistan Cricket Board had been told about the issue.

The PTV statement said that the matter was being raised with PEMRA and other stakeholders and the match would only be aired once the matter was resolved.

PTV added that it was ‘endeavoring’ to resolve the issue to prevent future blackouts.