Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood innocently dragged into India-Pakistan propaganda war

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been dragged into the India-Pakistan dispute by way of emotion-laced comments he never made being used in the propaganda war.

Josh Hazlewood has become an innocent victim of the India-Pakistan propaganda war with more than two million people reading emotion-laced comments he never made.

An account purporting to be Hazlewood on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted in support of the Indian armed forces in their current conflict with Pakistan.

The tweet quoted Hazlewood, who was playing for Royal Challenge Bengaluru prior to the IPL being suspended by the BCCI, as saying “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.”

“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 inspire millions including me,” the post read.

The rogue tweet that was falsely attributed to Hazlewood.

“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.”

The Twitter account has since been deleted

It is understood that the post had been seen by over two million people, prior to it being taken down.

X also suspended the account, which had the handle @HOFFHazlewood, stating that “X suspends accounts that violate the rules”.

The social media post was also picked up by several Indian media outlets, who reported on the comments claimed to be made by Hazlewood.

Hazlewood’s manager Neil Maxwell said that the Test veteran was aware of the post, before confirming that he does not have a social media presence.

“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.”

Originally published as Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood innocently dragged into India-Pakistan propaganda war