Did Shehbaz Sharif Congratulate Pakistan on Asia Cup 2025 Win? Truth Behind Viral Fake Post

The Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan turned into a historic clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 28, 2025. Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rival Pakistan, securing their record-breaking Asia Cup title.

However, amid India’s celebrations, social media witnessed the spread of a fake screenshot attributed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, allegedly congratulating Pakistan for winning the Asia Cup. The fabricated post quickly went viral, sparking confusion and debates online.

In this blog, we break down the truth behind the viral screenshot, highlight India’s emphatic performance, and explain why this misinformation spread so quickly.

India Beats Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 Final

India and Pakistan faced off in the first-ever Asia Cup final between the two nations since the tournament began in 1984. With tensions high and millions watching worldwide, the game lived up to the hype.

• India’s chase: Chasing Pakistan’s total, India won by five wickets with only two balls remaining.

• Heroic performances: India’s top order played cautiously before accelerating, while the bowling attack earlier kept Pakistan’s batters in check.

• Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership: In his first Asia Cup final as captain, Suryakumar showcased smart tactics and calm nerves.

The victory was celebrated across India, with congratulatory messages pouring in from leaders, celebrities, and cricket fans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself praised the team for their grit and determination.

What Did the Viral Screenshot Claim?

Soon after the final ended, a screenshot started circulating on X (formerly Twitter). It falsely claimed to be a post from Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s official account.

The fabricated message read:

• “Congratulations Pakistan, we won the Asia Cup.”

• It further alleged that Pakistan Army trained the cricket team, and credited the “victory” to Army Chief Syed Asim Munir.

• The fake post even claimed that televised matches were “incorrect” and that the ICC would be approached to challenge India’s win.

The bizarre claims made the screenshot go viral, amassing over 6 lakh views in just a few hours.

Is the Screenshot Real? Fact Check

The answer is No – the screenshot is 100% fake.

• No official statement: Neither Shehbaz Sharif’s verified account (@CMShehbaz) nor the Pakistan PMO (@PakPMO) posted anything of this sort.

• Misinformation tactic: Many users in the comments immediately flagged the post as fake, pointing out inconsistencies in tone and formatting.

• AI verification: Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, also confirmed that no such tweet existed. It verified that the post was fabricated.

Reality Check

India won the Asia Cup 2025 final by defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets. This fact was confirmed by reputable sports outlets like ESPNcricinfo, NDTV Sports, and Hindustan Times.

Why Do Fake Screenshots Spread So Quickly?

The viral nature of this screenshot highlights the problem of misinformation in sports rivalries.

1. Emotions run high: India-Pakistan matches always carry national pride, making fans more likely to believe extreme claims.

2. Satire mistaken as news: Some fake posts are made as jokes but get shared without context.

3. Confirmation bias: People tend to believe posts that align with their pre-existing views.

This is why fact-checking is crucial before sharing such viral content.

India vs Pakistan – A Rivalry Like No Other

This Asia Cup final wasn’t just about cricket – it was about history.

• India and Pakistan had already clashed twice earlier in the tournament (group stage & Super Four), with India winning both matches comfortably.

• Interestingly, reports noted that Indian players refused handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts in those matches, underlining the intensity of the rivalry.

• The final was the third meeting in three weeks, making it one of the most-watched cricket matches of all time.

Social Media Reactions

• Indian fans: Celebrated the win, sharing memes and congratulatory posts for the team.

• Pakistani fans: Expressed disappointment but also praised their team’s fighting spirit.

• Fact-checkers: Quickly debunked the fake Shehbaz Sharif screenshot, urging people not to fall for misinformation.

Final Thoughts

The Asia Cup 2025 final was a historic encounter, with India scripting a memorable five-wicket win over Pakistan. While the cricketing world celebrated, the fake screenshot attributed to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif served as a reminder of how misinformation spreads rapidly online.

Key takeaway: Always verify posts before sharing, especially during emotionally charged events like India vs Pakistan matches.

FAQs

1. Did Shehbaz Sharif really congratulate Pakistan for winning the Asia Cup 2025?

No. The viral screenshot is fake. He made no such post on his official accounts.

2. Who won the Asia Cup 2025 final?

India defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets on September 28, 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

3. Was this the first India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final?

Yes, despite their long rivalry, this was the first Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan since the tournament began in 1984.

4. Why was the fake screenshot created?

Likely for satire or to create confusion, but it quickly spread as misinformation.

5. Who confirmed the post was fake?

Fact-checkers, social media users, and Grok (xAI’s chatbot) confirmed it was fabricated.