Australian cricket icon Ricky Ponting has issued a statement after being caught up in a fake news scandal, which has sparked a social media storm.
The incident followed a highly charged Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan, fuelled by political angst between the two countries.
India won the match by seven wickets and there were frosty scenes in the aftermath with players not shaking hands.
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Ponting was then alleged to have said: “This match will be remembered forever with India as the big loser. The way the Pakistani team wanted to shake hands at the end has immortalised them as champions of the gentleman’s game with India as the perpetual loser.”
It was claimed the comment was made on Sky Sports and social media immediately lit up, with thousands of sickening messages aimed at the highly respected Ponting.
Of course, Ponting did not say the words, and social media platform X (formerly Twitter) then set to work removing the vile messages targeting the Aussie champ.
“I am aware of certain comments being attributed to me on social media,” Ponting said on Tuesday.
“Please know that I categorically did not make those statements and indeed have made no public comment about the Asia Cup at all.”
Social media D-Intent Data (a propaganda and fake news detection centre) had grabbed a snapshot of the comments, and its analysis quickly detected that they were “fake”.
“FACT: Pakistan-based propaganda accounts are circulating false claims alleging that Ricky Ponting, on Sky Sports, said: “This match (#INDvsPAK) will be remembered forever with India as the big loser ...,” the account said.
“These claims are completely fabricated.
“The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 is broadcast globally via the Sony Sports world feed, which provides the official commentary for all broadcasters. Ricky Ponting is not part of the Sony Sports commentary team for this tournament.
“There is also no credible evidence that Sky Sports has its own separate commentary panel for the Asia Cup 2025 or that it is broadcasting the event. In fact, Sky Sports’ event schedule does not include any Asia Cup matches.
“INTENT: Propaganda accounts are circulating false and self-invented claims about Ricky Ponting to set their narrative against India over the recent cricket match between India and Pakistan.”
At the end of the match during the presentation, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav mentioned the April 22 attack in the resort town of Pahalgam in Indian Kashmir, which triggered the military conflict between the neighbours.
“We stand by the victims and their families of the Pahalgam terror attack and we express our solidarity,” Suryakumar said.
“Also, we want to dedicate today’s win to all our armed forces, who showed a lot of bravery.”
The batter, who turned 35, called the win “a perfect return gift to India”.
But Pakistan’s New Zealand coach Mike Hesson told reporters he was “disappointed” with India’s post-match antics.
“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game,” Hesson told media after the game.
“We are disappointed that the opposition did not do that.
“We went over there and they were already gone to the changing room, so that was obviously a disappointing way to finish the match.”
It appeared the Indian players closed the door of their changerooms while the Pakistan players were still on the ground.
Pakistan also issued a statement.
“The behaviour of Indian players was against the spirit of sportsmanship,” the statement said.
“That is why skipper (Salman) Agha was not sent to the post-match ceremony.”
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