Fake quote drags Ponting into India-Pakistan storm
The high-stakes Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan has escalated far beyond the cricket field, with a false quote attributed to Ricky Ponting sparking a wave of online abuse against the Australian legend.
Shortly after India’s win, a fabricated post circulated on X claimed Ponting had blasted India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players, reading:
“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 viral post falsely suggested Ponting made the comments on Sky Sports, fueling outrage across platforms.
Ponting clears the air on X
Facing a flood of abuse, Ponting took to X to issue a categorical denial.
“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
Cricket journalist Daniel Cherny also pushed back against the fake narrative, writing on X:
“Social media just a cesspit for these lies. Ricky Ponting did not say this.”
Handshake controversy overshadows Asia Cup clash
While Ponting’s denial settled one issue, the handshake controversy itself has ignited tensions between India and Pakistan both on and off the field.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson voiced his frustration at the post-match snub:
“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that. We sort of went over there to shake hands and they were already going to the changing room. That was a disappointing way for the match to play. In a match that we were disappointed in the way we played, but certainly we were willing to go and shake hands.”
India captain Suryakumar Yadav defended the team’s stance, insisting it was aligned with broader directives:
“Our government and BCCI, we were aligned. Together, we came here, we took a call and I feel we came here just to play the game. And we gave the proper reply.”
A combustible mix of sport and geopolitics
The fallout from India’s refusal to shake hands, coupled with the spread of a fake Ponting quote, has highlighted how cricket between the two nations remains inseparable from political tensions.
For Ponting, the episode is a stark reminder of how easily misinformation can spread in today’s digital age. For India and Pakistan, the controversy underscores the fragile balance between on-field rivalry and off-field hostilities that continue to shape every meeting between the two sides.
