In the current ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals have been dangling by a thread because they largely depend on the outcomes of Afghanistan and New Zealand to guarantee their place in the elimination stages. In addition to their on-field accomplishments, the Babar Azam-led team has been shown exceptional hospitality in India since their arrival, which came after a seven-year absence.
To further sow discord between the two nations, some of Pakistan’s experts are still hard at work spreading false information. Journalist Naseem Rajput from Pakistan recently asserted on a television channel that Babar Azam had declined an interview with former Indian cricket player Irfan Pathan, claiming instead that he doesn’t interact with anyone who criticizes Pakistan.
Cricketmood is aware, nevertheless, that the quote is completely untrue and that no such incidence has ever occurred. Nevertheless, false information has been proliferating on social media, where it is being promoted by multiple accounts without any form of validation.
“Babar declined to be interviewed by Irfan. Initially, Pathan’s representative, the channel’s production crew, requested an interview with him; but, the Pakistan captain declined. Subsequently, the former all-rounder for India approached him to speak. But Babar rejected the proposal once more, claiming that he doesn’t speak with anyone who criticize Pakistan, as stated by Naseem Rajput on the Aaj TV program “Kuch Cricket Ho jaye.”
Weeee Loveeee Youuuu Ourrrrr Babrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Shairrrrrrrrrr 🦁@babarazam258 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/uDz4TDrixW
— Love BA56 (@LoveBA56) November 9, 2023
Along with criticising a news outlet for bogus news, Gautam Gambhir
Notably, Pathan is not the only former cricket player from India who has fallen for false information. Gautam Gambhir, the former opener for India, recently blasted a well-known Indian television outlet for disseminating false information about him. Gambhir was reported in the news piece on the channel’s website as stating, “Virat Kohli would have taken singles on 195 if he had been there.” However, Glenn Maxwell is unique in that he decided to hit six.”
In a post on X, Gambhir criticized the station, saying, “What bullsh*t! I speak honestly when I speak. To every purported verified account, please provide a citation or provide an apology.
Dear @GautamGambhir, we sincerely apologise for the inadvertent error and the inconvenience it has caused you. Our intention was never to hurt or mislead. We have the highest regard and respect for you. The story has been taken down. https://t.co/Epm4wxGhat
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2023
The media outlet promptly removed the piece and expressed regret to the two-time World Cup champion as a result.