Did Ricky Ponting really call India a ‘perpetual loser’? He slams Pakistan media for a fake quote amid Asia Cup 2025 handshake row

Devansh Poddar

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Did Ricky Ponting really call India a ‘perpetual loser’? He slams Pakistan media for a fake quote amid Asia Cup 2025 handshake row image

The India vs Pakistan game at the Asia Cup 2025 created a lot of controversy and made headlines after the Men in Blue refused to shake hands with the opponent post the game. 

India handed Pakistan a crushing defeat by 7 wickets in their second league encounter. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting found himself at the centre of the controversy as he was alleged to lash out at the Indian team, calling them a big loser.

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Ponting now cleared the air, stating that the statements were wrongly attributed to him. 

Ricky Ponting slams Pakistan media for  a fake quote amid the Asia Cup

India vs Pakistan handshake controversy created a lot of controversy and dragged Ponting in the middle of it.

"This match will be remembered forever with India as the big loser. The way the Pakistani team wanted to shake hands at the end has immortalized them as champions of the gentleman's game with India as the perpetual loser," Ponting was alleged to have said.

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The former Australian skipper has now categorically denied making any such statements in public, as he called it fake. As per reports, it was claimed that Ponting made these statements on Sky Sports, which created a huge outrage amongst the Indian fans. 

"I am aware of certain comments being attributed to me on social media. Please know that I categorically did not make those statements and indeed have made no public comment about the Asia Cup at all," Ponting posted on X.

Why did Team India not shake hands with the Pakistani players?

The diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have always been strained. The connections between the countries further worsened earlier this year after they faced off in a war-like situation following a terror attack on Indian tourists. 

As a protest towards the incident and to show solidarity and support to the Indian soldiers and the families of the victims, Suryakumar-led side decided not to shake hands with the Pakistani side. 

While India decided to go ahead with playing the game, their gestures reflected that they had no intentions to get along or have a laugh with the Pakistani players. 

"Together, we came here, we took a call, and I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave the proper reply," Suryakumar said after the game. 

India can once again face Pakistan on Sunday in a Super Fours game, if the Men in Green come on top in their encounter against the UAE.

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Devansh Poddar

Devansh Poddar is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.