One of India’s most celebrated industrialists, Ratan Tata, on Monday was forced to take to social media to issue a formal clarification on fake news related to a cricket World Cup match.
Tata wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “I have made no suggestions to the ICC or any cricket faculty about any cricket member regarding a fine or reward to any players. I have no connection to cricket whatsoever. Please do not believe WhatsApp forwards and videos of such nature unless they come from my official platforms.”
I have made no suggestions to the ICC or any cricket faculty about any cricket member regarding a fine or reward to any players.
I have no connection to cricket whatsoever
Please do not believe WhatsApp forwards and videos of such nature unless they come from my official…
— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) October 30, 2023
This was after several WhatsApp forwards claimed that Tata had agreed to pay a whopping Rs. 10 crore to Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan after his team beat Pakistan in the World Cup. There were reports that the ICC had imposed a fine of Rs. 55 lakh on Khan for waiving the Indian flag after Afghanistan’s victory over Pakistan.
The message of one WhatsApp forward read, “I congratulate Sri Ratan Tata for extending financial support to cricketer Rashid khan who has been fined ₹55 lacs by ICC for braving Bhartiya flag on his chest while celebrating victory over Pakistan.”
Read more at: © BQ Prime
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Reacting to Tata’s social media post, one user wrote, “Context – Rashid Khan was fined for 55 lakhs for displaying Indian Flag after win over Pakistan, there were rumours that Ratan Tata has announced award of 10 Crores for Rashid Khan After the fine was imposed by ICC.”
Another commented, “We believe in you sir , love you.” “This is WhatsApp University sir…anything can be spread here…!!!” wrote another user on X.
Afghanistan have since stunned another Test-playing nation, Sri Lanka, to brighten their hopes for a semi-final spot in the World Cup.
Afghanistan are placed fifth in the points table after today’s win against Sri Lanka. Only top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.