Fact Check: Viral Claim About Mohammed Shami and Sania Mirza Dating is False: Social media has been abuzz with a viral post claiming that Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami and former tennis player Sania Mirza are dating. The post, accompanied by pictures, has sparked widespread discussions and speculation online. However, upon investigation, it has been confirmed that these claims are baseless and the images are fake.
What Went Viral?
The viral post includes pictures of Mohammed Shami and Sania Mirza, with captions implying that the two are dating. One post reads, “Beautiful picture of Mohammed Shami and Sania Mirza, congratulations Shami Bhai,” while another states, “Lovely picture of Mohammed Shami and Sania Mirza in Dubai.” These posts have garnered numerous comments and shares, amplifying the rumors.
India TV’s Investigation
India TV conducted an in-depth investigation to verify the claims. The team first performed a Google search using relevant keywords but found no credible news reports or statements confirming the rumors. This absence of reliable information raised questions about the authenticity of the viral post.
As part of the investigation, the images were analyzed using an AI detection tool. The analysis revealed that the pictures were likely AI-generated or deepfakes. Several inconsistencies, such as artificially inserted faces, were identified during this process. Further, a report by Hindustan Times clarified that Mohammed Shami had refuted the rumors, dismissing them as baseless.
Shami’s Response
Mohammed Shami addressed the rumors directly, expressing his frustration over the misuse of his and Sania Mirza’s images. He stated:
“It is weird and done purposely for some lame fun. But what can be done? If I open my phone, I see those memes. Memes are meant for fun, but when they involve someone’s personal life, people should think before sharing them.”
He further added:
“If you have the guts, say these things from a verified page, then I will respond. It’s easy to pull someone down, but try achieving success and upgrading yourself first. Then I will believe you are a good person.”
Fact Check Findings
India TV’s fact check confirmed that the viral post is entirely false. The circulating images were found to be AI-generated, with no factual basis to support the claims of a relationship between Mohammed Shami and Sania Mirza. Shami’s own statement further refuted the rumors, calling them baseless and urging people to act responsibly while sharing content online.
Conclusion
The viral claim that Mohammed Shami and Sania Mirza are dating is false, and the associated images are fabricated. This incident highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of social media content before sharing it. Readers are advised to exercise caution and avoid spreading misinformation.