Asia Cup 2025: Ricky Ponting issues a clarification after being dragged into the India-Pakistan handshake controversy

Former Australia captain and the current head coach of Punjab Kings, Ricky Ponting, has made a big statement after his fake comment on the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 controversy went viral. Suryakumar Yadav and other players didn’t shake hands with Pakistan’s team after India’s seven-wicket win at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

A comment suggesting Ponting slammed India and lauded Pakistan for their conduct was circulated on social media.

“This match will be remembered, and India was the loser. Pakistan team wanted to shake hands, and they are the champions of the gentleman’s game,” the quote read.

Ponting, however, said that these were not his words. He mentioned that the statement is false and he hasn’t made any comment about the Asia Cup.

“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,” he wrote.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was ready to pull out of the tournament if the ICC didn’t remove match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of not allowing the handshake between the two captains. However, the ICC has rejected their appeal, and the PCB has changed its stance on the boycott of the remaining games. Pakistan will remain part of the competition to avoid ICC sanctions.