Aussie fast bowling champion Josh Hazlewood has been roped into the conflict between India and Pakistan in a stunning hoax that has been accepted as fact by millions of people.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, leading to retaliatory strikes from Pakistan.
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire announced on May 10, hostilities have continued, with both nations accusing each other of violations.
As a result, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the Indian Premier League.
That has led to Australian players, including Hazelwood, scrambling to return home and unlikely to return if the IPL resumes.
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been unwittingly dragged into the conflict between India and Pakistan
A strong military presence is seen in Kashmir in India, with the IPL postponed for a week until further notice
The Pakistan Super League also abandoned its final fixtures after earlier announcing a move to the UAE.
Now Hazlewood has become embroiled in the conflict, with a false social media post claiming to be posted by the fast bowling champion viewed by millions.
A verified X [Twitter] claiming to belong to Hazelwood posted a message of support for the Indian military.
The post, from an account with the handle @HOFFHazlewood, reached around two million people before it was removed and the account suspended.
‘Stay strong,’ the account claiming to be Hazlewood posted along an emoji of the Indian flag.
‘As an Australian cricketer, I’ve always believed in the spirit of standing tall against any challenge, much like our brave Indian Armed Forces who are out there fighting against Pakistan-based terrorists.
‘To the soldiers of India, I want to say from the bottom of my heart – you are absolute legends.
‘Your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting your nation inspires millions, including me.
This message was posted by a verified account claiming to be Josh Hazelwood on social media platform X
The post was removed and the account suspended, but not before it was seen by millions
‘Every day, you face unimaginable odds with grit and determination, defending the values of peace and unity.
‘Know that your fight is not just for India but for the hope of a safer world.
‘We Aussies admire your resilience, and I’m cheering for you, not just as a cricketer but as someone who believes in the power of standing up for what’s right.
‘Stay strong, stay safe, and know that you’ve got mates across the globe rooting for you. With all my respect and gratitude.’
Hazelwood’s manager Neil Maxwell told News Corp that the post definitely did not come from his client.
‘Josh isn’t on social media, he hasn’t got a social media account,’ Maxwell said.
‘Josh is aware of the post and the RCB is trying to pull it down.’
While the post has been removed, the account suspended and the authenticity debunked, it hasn’t stopped numerous angry cricket fans from believing it is real.
Fellow Aussie Glenn Maxwell has also been in India for the IPL, playin for Punjab Kings
An alleged screenshot of a message posted to Maxwell’s Instagram Story has been doing the rounds on social media, but its authenticity has also been questioned
‘You played IPL there, made fans, and now you’re cheering for war?’ a furious Pakistan supporter asked.
‘Sad to see you pick a side in something so tragic. Funny how borders shift sympathies, mate. Just remember, humans bleed the same on this side too.’
‘Before you decide to spit venom at Pakistan, make sure you’re not drooling over a propaganda script, try picking up a fact sheet instead of a pay cheque,’ another raged.
However most of the comments were from viewers able to tell the post did not come from Hazlewood himself.
The Aussie fast bowler is not the only Australian who has been targeted.
An alleged screenshot from Glenn Maxwell’s official Instagram Story has also been circulated, which includes a message supporting India’s military.
‘We stand in solidarity with, and salute our armed forces for fiercely protecting our country in these difficult times,’ the post reads.
‘We are forever indebted to our heroes for their unwavering bravery and heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices they and their families make for our great nation.’
The post signs off with Jai Hind, a salutation and slogan that means ‘Hail India’, ‘Long live India’, or literally ‘Victory [for] India’.
The Instagram Story was not present on Maxwell’s account on Monday morning.
Maxwell and Cricket Australia have been contacted for comment.
