In a recent viral video, it was claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Team faced derogatory slogans upon their arrival in India for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The video purportedly showed Indian fans chanting ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ slogans. However, a fact-check reveals that this video is digitally altered, and no such slogans were actually raised. Let’s delve into the details and separate fact from fiction regarding this incident.
Fact Check of the Video
The Pakistan Cricket Team arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on September 27, 2023, for the ICC ODI Men’s World Cup 2023. This marked their return to India after a gap of seven years, with their last visit being during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2016. Both countries have not played a bilateral series since 2012, and their meetings have been restricted to ICC events.
However, a video circulated on social media claimed that the Pakistani team was greeted with ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ slogans upon their arrival. This video featured prominent Pakistani cricketers, including Captain Babar Azam, walking out of the airport amidst a police escort, while derogatory slogans can be heard in the background.
We investigated the authenticity of this video and found it to be manipulated. The original video did not contain any anti-Pakistan slogans, and the audio had been overlaid to create a false narrative.
Warm Reception and Reaction by India
Contrary to the fake claims, the Pakistan Cricket Team received a warm welcome in India. Videos posted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter showed enthusiastic Indian fans cheering and taking photographs of the Pakistani players at the airport. The fans shouted the names of the players to grab their attention, creating a positive and celebratory atmosphere.
A warm welcome in Hyderabad as we land on Indian shores 👏#WeHaveWeWill | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/poyWmFYIwK
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 27, 2023
The arrival of the Pakistan Cricket Team in India after a long hiatus was a significant event for cricket enthusiasts in both countries. It was an occasion to celebrate the sport’s spirit and the renewed opportunity for cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. The warm reception the team received, as evidenced by the genuine videos shared by the PCB, reflects the sportsmanship and enthusiasm of Indian cricket fans.
Intent and Conclusion
The circulation of digitally altered videos to tarnish India’s image is a concerning trend on social media. Such misleading content not only misrepresents reality but also fuels unnecessary tension and hostility between nations. In this case, the intent behind spreading the fake video was clearly to paint a negative picture of India and its cricket fans.
In conclusion, the claim that the Pakistan Cricket Team was greeted with derogatory slogans in India is false. The video in question is digitally manipulated, and the original footage does not contain any such slogans. It is essential to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it on social media to prevent the spread of misinformation. Following a precise analysis and fact-checking, our team has reviewed the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread below.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) September 27, 2023
ANALYSIS: Fake
FACT: A short video clip of #PakistanCricketTeam arrival at Hyderabad in which anti-Pakistan slogans can be heard has been shared, claiming that the Pakistan cricket team was greeted with derogatory slogans upon arrival. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/UktRC1FpPs
Claim: The Pakistan Cricket Team faced ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ slogans upon their arrival in India.
Fact: False. The video showing anti-Pakistan slogans is digitally altered, and no such slogans were raised during the team’s arrival.
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