Photo:AFP
The cricket world has once again seen how quickly fake news can spread, and this time, a legend of the game has been dragged into the storm. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has strongly denied a false quote that was linked to him after the high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan.

The Match and the Handshake Issue

India played outstanding cricket against Pakistan, winning the game in style. Fans and experts praised Suryakumar Yadav and his team for their skill and control on the field. Yet, the real discussion after the match was not about the players’ performance but about something that happened—or rather, did not happen—after the final ball.

The Indian team chose not to shake hands with the Pakistan players. This single act started debates everywhere—on television, social media, and among cricket fans around the world. The “no-handshake” protest became the main headline, overshadowing India’s clear dominance in the match.

The Fake Ricky Ponting Quote

Amid the heated talk, a false story started spreading online. Posts on social media claimed that Ricky Ponting had slammed the Indian team on Sky Sports, calling them “the big losers” for not shaking hands. Screenshots, captions, and even edited clips were shared widely, giving the impression that Ponting had spoken against India.

But the truth was very different. To begin with, Sky Sports is not even the broadcaster of the Asia Cup 2025 in the UK. The rights belong to TNT Sports, and coverage is shown on discovery+. This fact alone proved the fake story had no base.

Ponting himself later confirmed it. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“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.”

Ponting Fights Back

Ponting’s quick response showed his frustration. He has built a reputation as one of cricket’s greatest leaders and coaches, and being linked to false words could damage that image. He made it clear that he has not said anything about the Asia Cup, nor about India’s decision regarding the handshake.

Australian media also reported on the matter, pointing out how the fake quote spread like wildfire. The incident has become another example of how false claims can become “facts” in the eyes of the public when repeated often online.

Why Fake News Spreads So Fast

This story highlights a larger problem. Social media platforms allow information to move faster than ever before. But speed comes with risk. A made-up comment can be shared thousands of times before the truth comes out. By then, many people already believe the lie.

In this case, Ricky Ponting was the target. Tomorrow, it could be another player, coach, or even an entire team. Cricket, like many sports, is deeply emotional for fans. Fake stories can therefore spread faster because people are quick to react without checking facts.

The Diplomatic Angle

India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan has not only created noise in sports circles but has also touched political nerves. Relations between the two countries remain tense, and cricket often reflects those feelings.

Reports suggest Pakistan may even consider boycotting the tournament in protest. At the same time, there are whispers that India could skip the presentation ceremony if they win the competition, to avoid sharing the stage with ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who is from Pakistan.

This shows how a simple act of not shaking hands has become a much larger issue. It is no longer only about cricket—it has become a matter of pride, politics, and national image.

Lessons from the Episode

The Ricky Ponting fake quote episode teaches us three important lessons:

Check the Source – Before believing any big claim, people should check where it came from. If the broadcaster is wrong or the platform is not official, chances are the news is fake.

Players and Legends Need Protection – Cricketers like Ponting have spent years building their names. Fake quotes can harm their legacy. Sports bodies and broadcasters should act quickly to stop such false stories.

Sports Should Stay About the Game – Rivalries in cricket are natural, but when outside issues take over, the focus shifts from skill and competition to politics and drama. That hurts the game itself.

Conclusion

Ricky Ponting did not comment on India’s no-handshake protest. He was the victim of a false story that spread online. His strong denial should put the matter to rest, but the damage shows how risky the digital age can be for public figures.

At the same time, India and Pakistan’s cricketing rivalry has once again turned into something larger than sport. The Asia Cup 2025 is proving that cricket in the subcontinent is never just about runs and wickets—it is about emotion, politics, and national pride.