Cricket fans were left reeling when BCCI’s Rajiv Shukla exposed an audacious AI hoax on a Pakistani television program. The Vice President’s voice was eerily mimicked in a clip discussing boycott talks for the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup showdown, but Shukla confirmed it was all fake.
Taking to X with urgency, Shukla declared, ‘My words on the India-Pakistan World Cup match video have been AI-altered. Not my statements. Appeal to all: don’t trust, share, or let this misleading content spread—report it immediately.’
The deception unfolded on Shoaib Malik’s ARY News cricket show, where the host hyped up a ‘clip from BCCI VP Rajiv Shukla’ amid chatter on Pakistan’s alleged reversal on boycotting the blockbuster fixture.
The synthetic audio portrayed Shukla as thrilled over ICC mediation: ‘Overjoyed at the talks’ result by ICC rep, prompted by BCCI, getting Pakistan to play India. Perfect consensus-driven fix for cricket’s sake.’
Reality check: Shukla’s authentic comments to media were more neutral, applauding multilateral efforts. ‘Pleased with the ICC rep-led discussions, chairman-approved, including Lahore meetings with PCB and BCB. A cooperative solution championing cricket.’
This scandal arrives at a fever pitch for international cricket, amplifying concerns over AI’s role in sowing discord. Social media erupted with Shukla’s post garnering thousands of views, likes, and shares promoting fact-checking.
Board officials and analysts predict stricter guidelines on broadcast authenticity as tournaments near. Shukla’s forthright debunking not only quashed rumors but fortified public awareness against tech-fueled falsehoods in sports discourse.