Fact Check: Old image of Pakistani fans breaking television sets shared as recent

After Australia defeated Pakistan in the T20 world cup semis, a few images have been widely being shared on social media showing angry fans broking their TVs in the neighboring country.

By Tejal Sinha  Published on  15 Nov 2021 3:07 AM GMT
Fact Check: Old image of Pakistani fans breaking television sets shared as recent

Hyderabad: After Australia defeated Pakistan in the T20 world cup semis, a few images have been widely being shared on social media showing angry fans broking their TVs in the neighboring country.

In these pictures, some people can be seen breaking TV sets on the road. In the pictures, a few people are seen wearing the cricket jersey of the Pakistan team.

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Fact Check

The claim is False.

NewsMeter performed a Google Reverse Image Search which led us to the website 'Getty Image' dated March 19, 2016. The description for the image read, "Pakistani men broke a TV set after their cricket team lost a match against India during the World T20 cricket tournament on March 19, 2016, in Karachi."

On March 21, 2016, 'Khaleej Times' reported about the match with a headline, "Former players slam Afridi, fans smash TV sets'. "Pakistan lost by six wickets to India in Kolkata on Saturday. Soon after the Indians notched up the win, disappointed cricket fans came out on roads to vent their anger, and television channels showed them smashing TV sets in anger in some areas," the report said.

A similar report of the news was also published by The Economics Times, News18, and Deccan Chronicle

A video report of fans smashing the TV sets was also aired on the YouTube channel of 'Oneindia News' on March 20, 2016. The description of the video said, "Just when Indian cricket fans were celebrating in full swing after India defeated Pakistan with six wickets in a World T20 match, angry Pakistani fans took to the street to vent out their anger and frustration. Cricket lovers were seen burning bats and breaking their TV sets after Virat Kohli's stupendous performance made sure Pakistan had a taste of defeat once again at Eden Gardens, Kolkata."


NewsMeter had debunked a similar claim on November 03, 2021, where an old image of people smashing TV sets of India's loss to Pakistan was shared as recent.

It is therefore evident that the viral claim is False. The 2016 image of Pakistani fans smashing TV sets after India defeated Pakistan with six wickets in a World T20 match is being shared as recent.

Claim Review:Pakistani fans smash TV after Pakistan lost the semi finals
Claimed By:Social Media Users
Claim Reviewed By:Newsmeter
Claim Source:Social Media
Claim Fact Check:False
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