A fake statement attributed to Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked controversy ahead of the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup. The viral quote falsely claims that Ashwin accused the BCCI of prioritizing money over national sentiment by not canceling the IND vs PAK match.

The alleged statement reads:
"Less money was involved in the World Championship of Legends, so it was cancelled. But India is still playing Pakistan in the Asia Cup because money decides patriotism."

However, Ashwin himself took to social media to set the record straight. Sharing a screenshot of the fake quote, he tweeted:

“Don’t associate me with this fake news.
Shame on those who trigger all this.”
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 28, 2025

Fake News Targeting Ashwin

This isn't the first time a fake quote has circulated during a politically charged cricketing event. Ashwin has made it clear that he never made any statement regarding BCCI’s decisions or the India-Pakistan fixture. The incident highlights the increasing misuse of athletes’ names in viral misinformation, especially on social media.

Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan Set for September 14

The Asia Cup schedule, released on July 26, confirms that the tournament will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. India and Pakistan are in the same group and are slated to clash on September 14. A total of up to three India-Pakistan matches could take place, depending on how the teams progress—including a possible showdown in the final.

Despite tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and calls for a sporting boycott, the match remains scheduled, adding further intrigue and emotional intensity to one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.