KEY POINTS
- The arrested individual, a YouTuber named Wasim Akram, was accused of spying.
- Akram’s viral response on X highlighted the dangers of misinformation.
NEW DELHI: Cricket legend Wasim Akram has strongly criticised Indian media outlets and social media users after they mistakenly used his picture in reports related to the arrest of an alleged spy, who shares his name.
According to a report by the Free Press Journal, the error occurred after Indian authorities in Haryana arrested a man named Wasim Akram on October 2.
The arrested individual, a YouTuber, was accused of spying and allegedly helping foreign agents acquire SIM cards over a period of three years.
However, several Indian news channels and social media users wrongly identified the former Pakistan cricket captain, using his image in connection with the espionage case, sparking outrage from the cricketer and his fans.
In a video posted to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the 59-year-old Akram addressed the blunder in no uncertain terms.
“You people are all over social media these days, so here’s a free piece of advice, always double-check before believing or sharing anything, no matter how famous the person is,” Akram said.
He continued, “A spy named Wasim Akram has been caught in the country, and news channels are showing my picture without any verification or balance, posting nonsense comments. Please don’t make your lives difficult for no reason — check first.”
The video quickly went viral, with Akram’s name trending across platforms as fans and media commentators condemned the lack of journalistic verification.
Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, has built a distinguished international reputation both on and off the field.
His response highlighted the potential harm and reputational damage caused by misinformation, especially when public figures are involved.
The mistaken identity incident has once again raised concerns about Indian media accountability and the importance of fact-checking in the digital age.
