Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood found himself unwillingly embroiled in the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan due to a fraudulent social media account created in his name.
Along with several other Australian players, Hazlewood returned home on Sunday following the suspension of the IPL amid escalating conflict.
A post from the now-removed fake Hazlewood account made headlines on Friday night (AEST), lauding the “courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment” of “our valiant Indian Armed Forces combating Pakistan-based terrorists”.
This misleading post spurred a significant online backlash directed at Hazlewood, who was completely unaware of its existence.
“Recognise that your fight is not solely for India but for the hope of a safer tomorrow,” the post proclaimed.
A fraudulent social media post impersonating Josh Hazlewood has been deleted. Getty
“We Australians appreciate your endurance, and I’m supporting you, not only as a cricketer but as someone who believes in advocating for what is just.
“Stay resilient, stay protected, and remember that you’ve got friends around the world cheering for you.”
Hazlewood’s manager, Neil Maxwell, informed News Corp that Hazlewood does not possess any social media profiles, and his team at Royal Challengers Bengaluru acted promptly to have the impostor account removed.
The IPL was suspended on Friday, but a potential ceasefire may allow the tournament to resume as soon as Thursday. It remains uncertain how many Australian players would return to complete the tournament, which still has 16 matches left.
Australian coaching staff members including Justin Langer and Mike Hussey have joined Tim David, Josh Inglis, and Marcus Stoinis in returning to Australia.
“Everyone is alright,” Stoinis told 9News shortly after arrival in Australia.
Mitchell Starc was also spotted alongside his wife Alyssa Healy at the airport on Sunday.
Starc chose not to comment to reporters upon his arrival, but his manager indicated to 9News that the star bowler may not be heading back to the IPL because of the ongoing conflict.
While many players have opted to fly home, others have decided to stay in India, including Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin, who are involved in coaching roles in the IPL.
It is anticipated that Hussey and Langer will be summoned back to fulfil their coaching duties in the league, though this will depend on government advice.
It remains unclear how the absence of Australians returning for the tournament’s completion might affect their contracts.
Mitchell Starc returns to Australia. Nine
“In the grand scheme of things, we’re dealing with a game of cricket here,” Australian legend Mark Taylor stated to 9News.
“What we are addressing is the welfare of individuals—both mentally and physically—as well as their livelihoods. That is what should take precedence over financial considerations.”
Indian media reported on Sunday that IPL franchises had been instructed to return to their home bases by Tuesday, although the Punjab Kings will relocate to a neutral venue.
It has been further indicated that plans to resume the IPL will not extend the tournament’s current end date of May 24.
If the tournament were to go beyond that date, all players would be required to secure new “no objection” certificates from Cricket Australia to participate.
The Pakistan Super League was likewise suspended, with plans to move the remaining matches to Dubai ultimately abandoned due to pressure on the Dubai Cricket Board from the influential BCCI, which preferred that the UAE be available for IPL fixtures.
The ECB has also extended an offer to host the remaining matches.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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