Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has strongly condemned the spread of false reports about his death after misleading claims circulated widely on social media, prompting concern among fans across the world.
The legendary fast bowler, widely regarded as the “Sultan of Swing,” broke his silence by issuing a video message in which he dismissed the rumours and criticized those responsible for creating and sharing fabricated content for online attention.
In this regard, Akram said such baseless rumours are often spread by individuals seeking cheap publicity.
He thanked those on social media who had been asking whether he was still alive, highlighting the absurdity of the claims.
The former captain said that content generated through artificial intelligence can often be identified within seconds. He questioned why many social media users fail to recognize manipulated videos and fake news before sharing them.
Akram added that those who created the fabricated videos must have spent considerable time producing them and suggested that the same effort could have been directed toward more meaningful and productive work.
He also referred to fellow former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar, noting that their images had also been used in misleading content alongside the false claims about him.
Akram urged those behind fake news campaigns to use their creativity and intelligence for positive purposes. He stated that success in life comes from constructive efforts rather than spreading deception.
The cricket legend further shared a popular Punjabi proverb, explaining that simply placing books on a donkey does not make it educated.
Akram reassured fans that he is in good health and thanked everyone who prayed for him and expressed concern following the circulation of the false reports.
The fake death claims spread rapidly across multiple social media platforms a day earlier before Akram personally dismissed them, once again highlighting the dangers of misinformation and the growing challenge posed by fabricated online content.
