The handshake controversy after the India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 has now taken a new turn. In an attempt to target India, some Pakistani social media users falsely attributed anti-India remarks to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. These fake posts quickly went viral, portraying Ponting as criticizing India over the handshake row.

Ponting, however, has strongly objected. In an official statement on his Instagram account, he clarified that he has not made any statement about the Asia Cup or the handshake issue. He warned fans to be cautious of fake posts circulating in his name.

Fake quotes circulated online
Several fabricated comments were shared on social media, including one where Ponting allegedly called India the “biggest loser” and praised Pakistan for “true sportsmanship.” One viral post, falsely attributed to him, claimed that Pakistan had been “immortalized as true champions of the gentleman’s game.”

The controversy
The incident stems from the 15 September India-Pakistan match, which India won by 7 wickets. The controversy began when Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Aga during the toss. Later, the Indian team also skipped handshakes after the win, leading to criticism from across the border.

Ponting’s clarification has now exposed how his name was misused in the heated debate between the two countries’ cricket fans.