Following the controversy after Sunday’s India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai, legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting took to social media to clarify that a statement circulating online, which labeled India as losers, was completely fabricated.
The tension arose when India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, reportedly refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha during the toss. After India’s seven-wicket victory, Suryakumar’s team again declined to shake hands with the Pakistani side, fueling online debates.
Shortly after, a fake quote began circulating on a Pakistan fan page, falsely attributing praise for Pakistan and criticism of India to Ponting. The fabricated statement 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 immortalised them as champions of the gentleman’s game with India as the perpetual sore loser.”
Ricky Ponting Denies Making Controversial Statements
Ricky Ponting took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that he did not make the statements that have been widely circulated on social media. He stressed that he has not commented publicly on the Asia Cup and that the rumors attributing remarks to him were false.
“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,” Ponting wrote on X.
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.
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) September 16, 2025
The controversy comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had earlier threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup if Andy Pycroft was not replaced, accused the match referee of interfering at the toss to stop the two captains from shaking hands.
Amid the situation, Usman Wahla, PCB’s Director of International Cricket Operations, was also suspended. According to Pakistani media reports, Wahla was penalized by the board, led by Mohsin Naqvi, for “failing to take timely action” regarding the handshake dispute that marred the high-profile meeting.