Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has firmly dismissed false rumours circulating on social media that claimed he had died of a heart attack, urging people to verify information before believing or sharing it.
The rumours spread after an AI-generated video falsely alleged that the legendary fast bowler had suffered a heart attack and passed away. The fabricated clip quickly gained attention online, prompting concern among fans across Pakistan and around the world.
Wasim Akram Responds with a Video Message
To put an end to the misinformation, Wasim Akram shared a video on his Instagram account, confirming that he was in good health and criticising the spread of fake news.
Addressing those who believed the rumours, Akram said:
“If you people cannot identify fake news in today’s modern age, then what use are we old men in our sixties?”
He also reacted humorously to messages asking whether he was still alive.
“People were asking me, ‘Are you alive?’ No, brother, I made this video after passing away,” he remarked sarcastically.
His light-hearted response was aimed at highlighting how easily misinformation can spread on social media.
Criticism of AI-Generated Fake Content
Akram said the creators of the fabricated video had gone to considerable lengths to make it appear authentic by including references to former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar.
He criticised those responsible for producing such misleading content, saying that if they had used the same level of creativity and effort for something positive, they could have achieved meaningful success.
Concluding his message, the former captain thanked everyone who had reached out with concern and reassured fans by saying:
“I am fine, Shukria.”
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Shaniera Akram Also Reassures Fans
Separately, Wasim Akram’s wife, Shaniera Akram, also addressed the rumours by posting a fresh video of her husband exercising in a gym.
Alongside the clip, she wrote that the video was recorded in response to the fake news and AI-generated content circulating online, adding that Wasim was healthy and doing well.
The post provided further reassurance to supporters who had been worried by the false reports.
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Growing Concern Over AI Misinformation
The incident has once again highlighted the increasing misuse of artificial intelligence to create convincing but false videos and news reports involving public figures.
Experts have repeatedly urged social media users to verify information through reliable and official sources before sharing sensational claims, particularly when they involve matters such as deaths, health emergencies, or other breaking news.
Wasim Akram’s prompt response helped dispel the rumours, while also drawing attention to the growing challenge of combating AI-generated misinformation in the digital age.
