Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has clarified that he did not make the controversial comment circulating on social media about Team India being the “big loser” over their handshake dispute with Pakistan after their match in the Asia Cup 2025. The comment, which quickly went viral, falsely attributed Ponting’s words to a Sky Sports broadcast. The incident occurred after India’s seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Group A match, during which the Indian team refused to shake hands with the opposition players.
The False Allegation and Social Media Backlash
Social media platforms were abuzz when a quote, suggesting Ponting had slammed India for the handshake snub, spread rapidly. The alleged comment read: “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 immortalized them as champions of the gentleman’s game, with India as the perpetual loser.” This fabricated statement, posted by some users on X (formerly Twitter), sparked outrage among Indian fans, with many criticizing the former Australian captain for the supposed remarks.
In response to the controversy, Ponting took to X to categorically deny the comment. He clarified, “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.”
India’s Decision and the Aftermath
India’s refusal to engage in the customary handshake with Pakistan’s players was a highly publicized decision. India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, explained in the post-match press conference that the decision to forgo handshakes was made in alignment with the Indian government’s stance, especially in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
The Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) was displeased with India’s actions and lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of instructing the captains not to engage in the handshake. This move added more fuel to the growing tension between the two cricketing giants.
Despite the controversy, the India-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the most anticipated aspects of the Asia Cup, and the two teams are likely to face off again in the Super Four stage and possibly in the final if both teams progress.
The Continued Fallout and Future Showdowns
The India–Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 has become more than just a cricket match, with political and diplomatic tensions influencing the atmosphere surrounding the game. Ricky Ponting’s clarification highlights the role of social media in spreading misinformation, while the ongoing fallout continues to keep the rivalry in the global spotlight. With the Asia Cup still unfolding, it remains to be seen how these tensions will shape the remainder of the tournament.
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