NEW DELHI — The high-stakes atmosphere surrounding the upcoming India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash has shifted from the pitch to the digital frontline. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla called out former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik for circulating what he termed an “altered, AI-generated” video during a live television broadcast.
The controversy erupted after Malik, appearing on an ARY News talk show, played an audio clip purportedly featuring Shukla admitting that the ICC acted specifically on the BCCI’s “repeated requests” to convince Pakistan to play.
1. The AI Swap: Fake vs. Real
The manipulated clip suggested a narrative of backroom manipulation by the BCCI, which Shukla was quick to dismantle by posting the original, unedited footage.
| Feature | The AI-Manipulated Clip (Aired) | The Original Statement (Actual) |
| BCCI’s Role | Claimed BCCI made “repeated requests” to the ICC to bring Pakistan back. | Credited the ICC’s independent initiative for the resolution. |
| Tone | Assertive and self-congratulatory for BCCI. | Diplomatic, praising the ICC for a “win-win situation.” |
| Focus | Influencing the PCB. | Success of the World Cup and addressing Bangladesh’s concerns. |
2. Shukla’s Digital Takedown
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shukla didn’t just issue a general warning—he tagged Malik and the channel heads directly to demand a retraction.
“The video circulating with altered, AI-generated audio in my name is fake. @realshoaibmalik, @ARYNEWSOFFICIAL… please stop circulating this misleading content,” Shukla posted.
He clarified that his actual remarks focused on the ICC’s big achievement in prioritizing cricket and ensuring that the feelings of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) were addressed during the negotiations.
3. The “Colombo Thaw” Context
The controversy stems from the chaotic lead-up to the February 15 match in Colombo.
- The Boycott: Pakistan had initially threatened to boycott the game over the ICC’s handling of Bangladesh.
- The Resolution: After an ICC delegation visited Lahore, the Pakistan Government directed the team to play, citing “amicable” adjustments.
- The Fallout: Experts suggest that AI deepfakes like the one aired by Malik are being used to “save face” or create a narrative of external pressure to justify the PCB’s sudden U-turn.
4. Safety Warning on AI Misinformation
This incident highlights the growing danger of audio deepfakes in sports diplomacy. Tech experts note that while the video of Shukla was real, the “voice-cloning” was sophisticated enough to match his cadence, making it difficult for live TV panels to verify in real-time.