Authors
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Australian legend Ricky Ponting referred to BCCI and India as cricket mafia in an interview with Fox Sports
Fact
No, Ricky Ponting has not called BCCI and India the cricket mafia in any interview with Fox Sports.
Following Australia’s victory over India in Cricket World Cup, a statement to former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting is being widely circulated on social media. The message suggests that Ponting referred to Australia’s win as a triumph against the “cricket mafia,” asserting that despite India’s substantial financial and influential resources, they were unable to secure the World Cup. The claim further alleges that Ricky Ponting made these remarks during an appearance on the Fox Sports channel. To view the viral message, click here. | Archived Post
This post has also been shared by other X users. They can be viewed by clicking here, here and here.
This post has also been posted by various users on Facebook. They can can be seen here, here and here.
Fact Check / Verification
Upon conducting a search using the keywords “This is a WIN against CRICKET MAFIA” and “Ricky Ponting on Fox Cricket,” we found a report on Fox Sports dated November 20, 2023, at 2:06 pm local time. The report, titled “Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain call out India for tactical pitch ‘backfire’” highlights comments made by several former players following Australia’s World Cup victory.
But the viral claim, attributing specific remarks to Ricky Ponting, did not feature in the article. The report instead focuses on observations regarding India’s tactical decisions during the match. As per the report, “Aussie cricket icon Ricky Ponting said the pitch prepared “backfired on India”. (The sentence of the report has been picked up exactly). Other than this, Fox Sports has not published any comments from Ricky Ponting.
After investigating further, we explored Fox Sports’ X handle and did not find any news or posts related to Ricky Ponting’s alleged comment. Additionally, a check on Ricky Ponting’s Instagram handle did not reveal any post resembling the viral statement.
Newschecker further reached out to Ricky Ponting’s team for clarification. The response will be updated once we receive it.
We also contacted Tridib Baparnash, Sports Editor, The Statesman, India’s leading newspaper, who dismissed the claim completely and said that the former cricketer had made no such comment.
Conclusion
Ricky Ponting has not called BCCI and India the cricket mafia. The viral post is false.
Result: False
Our Sources:
1. Report published by Fox Sports, dated 20 November, 2023
2. Telephonic conversation with Sports Editor of The Statesman
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Authors
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
