Indian media spread a 'fake' interview of Simon Doull about Babar Azam while quoting Geo News.
Doull, who commentated during Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8, faced massive criticism after he criticised Babar's strike rate. The Kiwi commentators even received abusive comments in his inbox. One of such comments was also shared by him on social media.
Twitter was taken by a storm on Thursday evening after some Indian channels began to assert that Doull had termed his stay in Pakistan as “hell” due to threats from Babar fans.
To add credence to their claim, they cited Geo News as the source of their report.
Immediately, cricket fans in India began to make the news viral, as Pakistani fans began to to defend their country.
The question stands: Did Doull say that to Geo News?
The answer: Neither did Doull make such a statement regarding his stay in Pakistan, nor did Geo News report such a comment.
For further clarity on the matter, a UK-based sports reporter Saj Sadiq reached out to Doull.
According to Sadiq, Doull said he “absolutely loved” his stay in the country.
Taking to Twitter, Sadiq said: “Just spoke with Simon Doull. He denies reports quoting him as saying he was not allowed to go out in Pakistan as Babar Azam fans were waiting for him and that he stayed in Pakistan without food for many days. He says that he absolutely loved his time in Pakistan.”
How it started?
Apparently, the claims made by the Indian media outlets were based on a falsified graphic post which stated: “Living in Pakistan is like living in jail. I was not allowed to go out as Babar Azam fans were waiting for me. And I stayed in Pakistan without food for many days. Even I was mentally tortured but by the grace of God I somehow escaped from Pakistan.”
Geo News had denied any association with the making or circulation of the post and the comments they ascribe to Doull.
- Babar Azam