A case of mistaken identity has sparked outrage after Indian authorities arrested a man named Wasim Akram on espionage allegations and some media outlets—along with social-media users—published a photograph of Pakistan’s former fast bowler and ex-captain, Wasim Akram.
According to a report by Free Press General, the former cricketer strongly criticized both the television channels and online users for broadcasting his image without verification.
In a video message that later circulated online, the 59-year-old Wasim Akram urged people to double-check before sharing or airing such material.
– Verify your source before sharing any news, everything you come across online is not real…
Our official accounts are stated below…https://t.co/evZauvlIHGhttps://t.co/uqnndN7MrS https://t.co/F5xHOH5KQZ pic.twitter.com/k7JhxovrAo
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) October 7, 2025
He said, in effect, that while he rarely gives unsolicited advice, social-media users should verify identities first and avoid needlessly putting someone’s life at risk.
The incident surfaced on October 2, when a YouTuber—also named Wasim Akram—was arrested in Haryana on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its high commission, the report said. Police allege the suspect had been in contact with Pakistani agents for about three years and assisted them by providing SIM cards.
Responding to the misidentification, the former captain posted links to his official Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts to help verify his identity and urged media outlets and users to exercise caution.
The report also recalled earlier highly publicized incidents in which Indian authorities seized balloons bearing Pakistani flags in occupied Kashmir and, in a separate episode, allegedly mistreated a pigeon that was claimed to be a spy—episodes that were widely amplified in Indian media.
