Fact Check: Did Virat Kohli announce throwing a bash for Pakistan cricket team?
NewsMeter found that the post was made by a parody account impersonating Virat Kohli.
By Md Mahfooz Alam Published on 30 Sep 2023 6:50 AM GMT
Screengrab of the Facebook post.
Social Media has been flooded with misinformation since the arrival of the Pakistan cricket team in India to play the ICC World Cup 2023.
After a doctored video went viral with the claim of the Pakistan team being welcomed with derogatory chants at the Hyderabad airport, now a screengrab of Virat Kohliās purported X post is doing the rounds. It says he will host a party at his residence for the Pakistani players, especially Pakistan all-rounder and vice-captain Shadab Khan.
Several Facebook users have shared the alleged screengrab of Kohliās X post. It reads, āI warmly welcome the Pakistan Cricket Team on their arrival in my country after a long period of 7 years, I will host a party for my friends, especially for Shadab at my houseā¦ Love you all, always spread love and joy.ā
(Image Credit: Facebook)
A Facebook user shared an image of the Pakistan team's arrival and wrote, āPakistan Cricket Team received a very warm welcome in last night which wins hearts after 7 Years Pakistan Team landed in India. In a tweet Indian top batsman Virat Kohli welcomes the Pakistan Cricket team and said he is excited to host them at his residence, especially Shadab Khan. Pakistani Players look confident after arrival in Hyderabad India. and they are very positive about bringing the World Cup to Pakistan.ā
(Image Credit: Facebook)
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the post was made by a parody account impersonating Virat Kohli.
We looked for Virat Kohli's account on X and found it verified with the username ā@imVkohli2ā, whereas the viral screengrab shows an unverified account with the username ā@amiVkohliā.
We skimmed through Kohliās account on X and found his last post was on September 27, which carried an image of Indiaās women's cricket with the caption, āHistory-makersā.
Further, we looked for the account with the username ā@amiVkohliā and found it to be a parody account impersonating Virat Kolhi.
The viral post was made by this account on September 27. At the time of writing this article, it was viewed over 1.3 million times, with over fifteen thousand reposts and over sixteen thousand likes.
During our investigation, we found the media outlet Free Press Journal had also fallen for the parody account, mistaking it for the real one of the star Indian cricketer.
Hence, we conclude Virat Kholi did not announce hosting a party for the Pakistan cricket team. The viral post was made by a parody account.
