Former Australian cricket star Ricky Ponting has refuted false claims circulating online regarding his supposed criticism of the Indian cricket team. These fabricated comments emerged following India’s victory over Pakistan in a recent Asia Cup group stage match. After the match, the Indian team did not participate in the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts, leading to online speculation. A quote, falsely attributed to Ponting, began to circulate, criticizing India’s actions. Ponting clarified that he did not make these statements and has not publicly commented on the Asia Cup. The incident involved the Indian team’s decision, made in consultation with the Indian government. The situation led to an official complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board and ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi to the ICC, calling for the suspension of match referee Andy Pycroft. Despite calls for a boycott, the match proceeded, with the possibility of a rematch in the Super Four stage or the final.
