In a bold move against digital deception, BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla publicly dismantled a Pakistani TV broadcast featuring an AI-generated audio clip impersonating him. The segment, tied to the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter, sparked outrage and confusion across social media.
Posting on X, Shukla laid bare the truth: ‘AI has been used to change the audio in a video of my comments on the India-Pakistan World Cup match. These statements are not mine. Please don’t believe or share this misleading content—report it wherever you see it.’
The culprit was a cricket talk show on ARY News, presented by ex-Pakistan star Shoaib Malik. During the episode, Malik teased, ‘Let me show you a clip from BCCI VP Rajiv Shukla,’ before playing the doctored audio.
Listeners heard a Shukla-like voice lauding a resolution where Pakistan was persuaded to face India. ‘Very happy to see the result of ICC rep’s talks started on BCCI’s insistence, convincing Pakistan to play. A solid mutual solution prioritizing cricket,’ it falsely claimed.
This fabrication twisted Shukla’s real remarks from a press interaction days prior. There, he had positively noted the ICC’s consensus-driven approach: ‘Delighted by the outcome of the ICC-initiated dialogue, supervised by the chairman, with reps meeting PCB and BCB in Lahore. A amicable fix that values cricket above all.’
Experts warn that such AI manipulations could escalate geopolitical tensions through sports. With the World Cup on the horizon, Shukla’s clarification serves as a timely alert. Platforms like X are now flooded with calls to combat deepfakes, emphasizing verification over virality.
As cricket’s fiercest rivalry reignites, this episode reminds stakeholders of the power—and peril—of technology in shaping narratives. Shukla’s proactive stance ensures the focus remains on the game, not fabricated drama.