Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has copped a flurry of abuse on social media, for comments he didn’t actually make.
It comes in the wake of India’s decision not to shake hands with their Pakistani opponents after an Asian Cup T20 game.
It was the first time the two nations have played each other since the conflict between the neighbouring countries in May.
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India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the coin toss and the Indian team refused to shake hands with their opponents after the game.
Ricky Ponting Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach. Getty
As a result, Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the most match presentation in the wake of India’s victory.
Naturally the poor sportsmanship has been criticised, but fake quotes attributed to Ponting went viral on social media.
“This match will be remembered forever, India the big loser”, the fake quote, purportedly said on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, read.
“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.”
Those quotes were then published by various news sites, particularly in India.
The Age’s Daniel Brettig, however, has reported that Ponting never made the comments. The English broadcaster isn’t even covering the tournament. The comments were simply fabricated online and spread quickly.
Australian cricket reporter for News Corp Daniel Cherny slammed the comments, calling social media a “cesspit of lies”, while also reporting that Ponting never said the quotes.
The SMH has contacted Ponting’s management for comment.
Former Australian cricket player Ricky Ponting and his wife Rianna. Getty
Someone who did criticise India’s lack of sportsmanship was Pakistan coach Mike Hesson.
“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game,” Hesson said in the aftermath.
“We were disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that.
“We sort of went over there to shake hands and they were already going to the changing room. That was a disappointing way for the match to play [out]. In a match that we were disappointed in the way we played, but certainly we were willing to go and shake hands.”
Suryakumar said after the game that some situations were above sportsmanship, referring to the animosity between the two nations.
“Our government and BCCI, we were aligned. Together, we came here, we took a call and I feel we came here just to play the game. And we gave the proper reply,” he said.
“I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit.”
The match took place in Dubai, with Pakistan setting 127. India chased down the total with four overs to spare.
Ponting is the coach of the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, and has coached in the T20 tournament since 2014.