🏏 Ricky Ponting Breaks Silence on Viral India-Pakistan No-Handshake Comment
🌍 Cricket, Rivalry, and the Power of Fake News
Cricket fans across the globe are still buzzing after the dramatic India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai. The match was already filled with intensity on the field, but what stole the headlines was not India’s clinical victory — it was the controversial no-handshake incident that followed.
In the middle of this storm, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting found himself unwillingly dragged into the drama. A fake viral comment circulated on social media, claiming Ponting had criticized India for skipping the handshake with Pakistan. The fabricated statement spread like wildfire, gaining thousands of shares and reactions, before Ponting himself stepped in to set the record straight.
📢 The Fake Ricky Ponting Comment That Went Viral
The widely shared fake quote claimed Ponting said:
“This match will be remembered forever, India the big loser. Pakistan’s gesture to shake hands despite defeat has immortalised them as true champions of the gentleman’s game, while India remains the perpetual sore loser.”
The statement was tailor-made for virality. It tapped into fan emotions, Pakistan’s disappointment, and India’s critics. Many fans believed it instantly, as Ponting has always been outspoken on cricketing issues.
But there was one big problem — Ponting never said it.
✍️ Ricky Ponting’s Clarification on Social Media
The 50-year-old Australian legend swiftly responded to the viral hoax. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ponting issued a clear clarification:
“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.”
This short but firm statement put the rumors to bed. However, the damage had already been done — thousands of fans had consumed and shared the fake narrative, sparking debates across platforms.
🤝 The No-Handshake Controversy – A Recap
The controversy began during the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium:
- At the toss, no handshake took place between captains Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav.
- After the match, Pakistan’s players lined up for the traditional handshake. However, Indian players walked away, closing their dressing room doors instead.
- To add fuel, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation, leaving coach Mike Hesson to face the media.
Coach Hesson expressed disappointment, saying Pakistan were ready for the handshake but India refused.
🏟️ The Match Itself – India’s Dominance
Lost in the off-field drama was the fact that India dominated the game:
- Pakistan batted first, struggling to 127-9.
- India chased down the target in just 16 overs.
- Suryakumar Yadav sealed the victory with a towering six, followed by a hug and handshake with Shivam Dube — but none with Pakistan players.
The cricketing world should have been talking about India’s clinical bowling attack and SKY’s match-winning knock. Instead, the spotlight shifted to the handshake saga.
📝 PCB’s Formal Complaint to ICC and MCC
In the aftermath, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) escalated the matter. Their complaint alleged:
- Match referee Andy Pycroft failed to uphold cricket’s spirit and traditions.
- No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match — a violation of long-standing customs.
- Pycroft breached the ICC Code of Conduct.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also leads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), doubled down on X:
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding the match referee’s violation of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC laws. The referee acted against the spirit of cricket. We have demanded the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup.”
⚡ The Role of Politics in Cricket
According to PCB, the controversy wasn’t just about sportsmanship. They alleged that:
- Tournament officials acted under instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
- These directives were influenced by the Indian government.
- This undermined the neutrality of the tournament.
Such claims highlight how cricket, especially in India-Pakistan clashes, often transcends sport and becomes entangled with politics.
🧐 Cricketory Insight & Analysis
The Ricky Ponting fake quote saga is more than just a social media hoax — it reflects how India-Pakistan cricket has become a battleground for narratives beyond the field.
At the heart of the matter is not whether a handshake took place or not, but how easily misinformation spreads in cricket rivalries. The handshake snub was already polarizing, but attaching Ponting’s name gave legitimacy to the controversy, amplifying fan anger and deepening divides.
For the PCB, the demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft is a bold but risky move. While it signals defiance and appeals to their domestic audience, the ICC’s rejection shows how little tolerance exists for board-led interference in officiating. This could further strain PCB’s relationship with both the ICC and BCCI.
From India’s perspective, their on-field dominance was overshadowed by off-field noise. Instead of celebrating a strong win, they are once again defending their sportsmanship credentials — a narrative that resurfaces every few years.
Cricketory believes this episode underlines three truths:
- Rivalries fuel misinformation — especially in the Indo-Pak context.
- Sportsmanship optics matter — regardless of whether gestures are “mandatory.”
- The ICC must lead firmly — to prevent cricket politics from undermining tournaments.
In the end, the game deserves more attention than the handshake — but in South Asian cricket, sometimes symbolism overshadows skill.
📊 Social Media Reactions – Fans Divided
The handshake snub and Ponting’s fake comment triggered a storm online.
🇵🇰 Pakistani Fans
- Viewed India’s behavior as unsportsmanlike.
- Celebrated Ponting’s “support” before learning it was fake.
- Backed PCB’s demand to remove Pycroft.
🇮🇳 Indian Fans
- Mocked Pakistan for “excuses after defeat.”
- Said sportsmanship gestures cannot be forced.
- Criticized those spreading fake quotes.
🌍 Neutral Fans
- Condemned fake news for inflaming rivalries.
- Argued that cricket should focus on the game itself, not post-match rituals.
🔎 Why Do Fake Quotes Spread So Easily in Cricket?
The Ponting episode is not the first — and won’t be the last. Fake quotes go viral in cricket because:
- Emotional Rivalries – India vs Pakistan is the most intense rivalry in world cricket.
- Star Power – Attaching comments to legends like Ponting makes them believable.
- Social Media Algorithms – Outrage-driven content spreads fastest.
- Lack of Verification – Many fans share instantly without checking authenticity.
⚖️ ICC’s Position on the Controversy
Reports suggest the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected PCB’s request to remove Pycroft. Their reasoning:
- Pycroft did not act independently but relayed ACC directives.
- Allowing boards to change referees would set a dangerous precedent.
- Match officials are appointed by the ICC for neutrality.
This makes it unlikely that PCB’s demand will be accepted, even as tensions rise.
📉 Possible Consequences for PCB
If PCB continues pressing this issue, consequences could include:
- Financial Penalties if they threaten to withdraw from Asia Cup 2025.
- Damaged Relations with ICC and BCCI.
- Player Morale Issues, distracting the squad ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, which Pakistan is set to host.
📰 Cricket Politics – A Pattern Repeating
This isn’t the first time Indo-Pak cricket has been overshadowed by off-field drama:
- 1996 World Cup (Bengaluru): Claims of biased umpiring.
- 2019 World Cup (England): India’s approach against England alleged to hurt Pakistan’s qualification chances.
- 2023 Asia Cup: Hosting rights dispute led to a hybrid model.
The 2025 handshake controversy is simply the latest addition to a long-running saga.
🧐 Lessons from the Ricky Ponting Episode
Ponting’s denial carries an important lesson:
- Verify Before Sharing: Fake quotes can inflame already sensitive situations.
- Legends Must Be Protected: Using their names for fabricated narratives damages reputations.
- Focus on Cricket: Rivalries should be decided with bat and ball, not social media spin.
✅ Conclusion – The Spirit of Cricket Must Prevail
The Asia Cup 2025 should have been about cricketing excellence. Instead, it’s being overshadowed by handshakes, fake quotes, and political undertones.
Ricky Ponting’s quick clarification shows the dangers of misinformation in the digital era. Meanwhile, PCB’s complaint and ICC’s firm stance highlight the ongoing power struggles in world cricket.
As the tournament continues, fans hope that the spotlight shifts back to what matters most — thrilling cricket, unforgettable moments, and respect for the game’s traditions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Did Ricky Ponting really criticize India for the handshake snub?
A: No. The viral quote attributed to Ponting was fake. He clarified publicly that he made no comments about the Asia Cup 2025.Q2. Why did the handshake controversy become so big?
A: Because India vs Pakistan is the most high-profile rivalry in world cricket, and small gestures (or lack of them) quickly become symbolic of larger tensions.Q3. What action did the PCB take against the match referee?
A: PCB filed a complaint to the ICC and MCC, accusing referee Andy Pycroft of violating the spirit of cricket. They demanded his removal from the Asia Cup.Q4. How did ICC respond to PCB’s complaint?
A: ICC rejected the demand, stating that Pycroft only relayed ACC directives and was not acting on India’s behalf.