By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has strongly rejected false reports claiming he had died of a heart attack, criticizing the growing spread of AI-generated misinformation on social media and urging people to verify news before believing or sharing it.
The cricket legend issued a video message after fabricated videos and viral social media posts falsely claimed he had passed away. The rumours quickly spread across multiple online platforms, alarming cricket fans in Pakistan and abroad before being dismissed by Akram himself.
Responding with humour, Akram expressed surprise that many people had contacted him to ask whether he was alive.
“If people cannot recognize fake news in today’s digital age, then what use are we old men in our sixties?” he remarked while addressing his followers through Instagram.
The former fast bowler sarcastically responded to those asking about his condition, saying, “No, brother, I am making this video after passing away,” highlighting the absurdity of the false claims.
Akram also criticized the creators behind the AI-generated videos, saying considerable effort had been invested in producing manipulated content that falsely portrayed his death.
He noted that the fabricated clips even included images and references to former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar to make the misinformation appear more convincing.
“If they had used this creativity for something positive, they could have achieved great success,” Akram said, expressing disappointment over the misuse of artificial intelligence for spreading false information.
The former captain concluded his message by reassuring supporters that he was in good health and thanked everyone who had reached out with genuine concern.
His wife, Shaniera Akram, also responded to the rumours by posting a fresh video showing Wasim Akram exercising at a gym.
The video showed the former cricketer completing various workout routines, including strength-training exercises, before smiling at the camera.
Sharing the clip on social media, Shaniera said she wanted to reassure supporters that her husband was healthy and to counter the false AI-generated videos circulating online.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge posed by artificial intelligence-generated misinformation, which has become increasingly sophisticated and difficult for many users to identify.
Experts warn that advances in AI technology have made it easier to create realistic-looking videos, manipulated audio recordings and fabricated images capable of misleading millions of people within hours.
Digital security specialists say public figures are increasingly becoming targets of deepfake videos and fabricated news reports designed to generate online engagement, confusion or financial gain through viral content.
Media analysts recommend that users verify sensational claims through credible news organizations or official social media accounts before sharing them with others.
They also advise checking multiple trusted sources whenever unexpected reports involve the death, injury or illness of well-known personalities.
Technology experts believe improving digital literacy has become essential as AI-generated content becomes more convincing and widely accessible.
Social media companies have also faced growing pressure to strengthen systems that detect manipulated videos, remove false information more quickly and clearly label AI-generated material.
Fact-checking organizations continue to encourage users to remain cautious whenever dramatic claims appear without confirmation from reliable sources.
The false reports involving Wasim Akram follow several recent incidents in which celebrities, athletes and public figures around the world have become victims of fabricated AI content circulating across digital platforms.
Experts warn that misinformation not only causes unnecessary panic among families, friends and fans but can also damage public trust in online information.
Akram’s response has been widely appreciated by supporters, many of whom praised his calm approach while emphasizing the importance of responsible social media use.
The incident serves as another reminder that in an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, verifying information before believing or forwarding it has become more important than ever.
