Australia cricket legend Ricky Ponting has firmly denied fabricated quotes attributed to him on social media following the controversial handshake snub between India and Pakistan during their Asia Cup clash on Sunday. The 50-year-old former captain became the target of widespread abuse after false statements were circulated claiming he had criticized India’s behaviour.
The controversy erupted when a fake quote began spreading rapidly across social media platform X, falsely claiming Ponting had said on Sky Sports: “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“.
The fabricated statement was viewed more than one million times and triggered thousands of abusive messages directed at Ponting before the social media platform purged the harmful content. However, the claim was fundamentally flawed as Sky Sports does not hold broadcasting rights for the Asia Cup 2025, with TNT Sports and discovery+ being the official UK broadcasters for the tournament.
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Ponting issues categorical denial over the fiasco
Addressing the situation on Tuesday, Ponting posted a clear statement on X categorically denying the false claims. “I am aware of certain comments being attributed to me on social media. Please know that I categorically did not make those statements and indeed have made no public comment about the Asia Cup at all“.
I am aware of certain comments being attributed to me on social media. Please know that I categorically did not make those statements and indeed have made no public comment about the Asia Cup at all.
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) September 16, 2025
Social media analysis organization D-Intent Data, which specializes in propaganda and fake news detection, quickly identified the claims as completely fabricated. The organization noted that Pakistan-based propaganda accounts were circulating the false allegations to set their narrative against India following the cricket match.
The incident stemmed from India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players after their seven-wicket victory in the Asia Cup match in Dubai. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates declined the customary post-match pleasantries in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives earlier this year.
Match referee Andy Pycroft had informed both teams about the no-handshake protocol before the game, though sources suggest he failed to properly communicate this to the Pakistan team at the match’s conclusion. Pakistan Cricket Board has since demanded Pycroft’s removal from the tournament and threatened to boycott their remaining matches.
This controversy represents the latest instance of fake quotes being attributed to prominent cricket figures during high-profile matches. Ponting has previously fallen victim to similar misinformation campaigns, including fabricated statements about the 2023 World Cup final. Other cricket personalities including Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Nasser Hussain have also been targeted with false quotes on social media.
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