Irfan Pathan Discusses Fake News Incident Involving Babar Azam

In a recent interview, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan opened up about a fake news incident involving Pakistani batsman Babar Azam. He recounted how a fabricated story claimed Babar refused an interview, which was based on a photoshopped image. Pathan emphasized the prevalence of trolling and misinformation in the media and shared insights from his cricket career, highlighting his achievements and struggles with injuries. This discussion sheds light on the challenges athletes face in the digital age and the importance of maintaining focus amidst distractions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 7, 2026, 13:17 IST

Incident of Fake News Featuring Babar Azam

Irfan Pathan, a former cricketer from India, recently shared his experiences with trolling and misinformation. He recounted an incident where a fabricated story circulated in Pakistan, claiming that Pakistani batsman Babar Azam had declined an interview with him. Pathan emphasized that he chooses not to react to such claims, as responding to every falsehood would hinder his ability to lead a normal life. This revelation came during his appearance on JioHotstar's show 'Cheeky Singles'.

Details of the Fake Story

During the show, Pathan explained that incidents of 'trolling and fake attribution' are commonplace. He described how a story emerged, alleging that Babar had refused to speak with him, stating, 'He trolls our country, so I won't give him an interview.' Pathan clarified that this was entirely false, as his image had been digitally altered onto another person's photo. The original individual was a young Bangladeshi journalist who had faced rejection during his first interview attempt. The misleading story gained over a million views, misleading many into believing it was Pathan. He remarked, 'This occurs daily, but I refrain from responding. If I did, I wouldn't be able to live my life.'

Irfan Pathan's Cricket Achievements

Pathan's cricket career spanned from 2003 to 2012, during which he amassed 2,821 runs across 141 innings, averaging 26.12. His record includes one century and eleven half-centuries, with a top score of 102. As a bowler, he claimed 301 wickets at an average of 29.85, achieving nine five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket matches. Despite being one of the premier all-rounders of his era, injuries significantly impacted his career. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he played for teams such as Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Gujarat Lions, taking 80 wickets in 103 matches and scoring 1,139 runs in 82 innings, averaging 21.49 with one fifty.