'IPL is the best time to spread hate' - Veteran commentators lash out at social media users spreading fake news

After Parthiv Patel, former India opener Aakash Chopra called out a social media user for sharing false quotes under his name, saying that it is an underhanded ploy to facilitate more engagement among the fans on the internet.

In recent times, a new trend has surfaced on social media, where some accounts are trying to start fan wars by putting up controversial quotes from former players on the current lot of cricketers. These quotes are mostly false, but fans don't always take that into consideration and engage in abuse via their social media handles. Amid this chaos, the obnoxious accounts, which spread this hate, gain a lot of views and engagement.

Also Read: 'Please stop spreading false information to get views and clicks'—Parthiv Patel calls out social media user for falsely misquoting him

Chopra, who is quite active on social media, posted an image of an account that shared fake quotes where the cricketer-turned-commentator is criticising Indian captain Rohit Sharma after his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

“IPL is the best time to spread hate, fake news…and all sorts of rubbish. Fan-armies are there to lap it up always. I often wonder if views/engagement is more important than the morals,” Chopra wrote on his official 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle.

Attaching my name to derogatory statements about players: Ian Bishop

Legendary commentator Ian Bishop also took a stand against this malpractice, urging people to stop giving attention to these spiteful accounts.

Also Read: ‘How do you get your news?’ — Ambati Rayudu lashes out over fake Ruturaj Gaikwad comment

“For the last couple of seasons, there have been a number of accounts on here posting derogatory statements about players, and then attaching my name to it as if I said it. Those that follow me know that is not my way. So please pay those accounts no attention,” the former West Indies pacer wrote on his X account.

In the coming days, more former cricketers might come forward and raise their voices against these wrongdoings. A collective effort from cricketers and fans can eradicate this annoying trend in the near future.