A false viral message claiming that renowned industrialist Ratan Tata had announced a reward of Rs 10 crore for Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan is making the rounds on social media. The message also alleges that Ratan Tata took this step in response to reports that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had fined Rashid Khan Rs 55 lakh for celebrating his team's victory with the Indian flag during a Cricket World Cup match against Pakistan.
India TV's Fact Check team has found no credible news sources supporting this claim. Additionally, Ratan Tata himself has denied the viral message through his official social media accounts.
Afghanistan's spinner, Rashid Khan, recently garnered attention for a celebratory dance with former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan after their team's victory against Pakistan in the ongoing Official ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India. However, there is no factual basis for the claim that Ratan Tata offered a reward to Rashid Khan.
The viral message erroneously suggests that Ratan Tata made these statements. On October 30, 2023, Ratan Tata clarified on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle that he had made no suggestions regarding fines or rewards to any cricket player. He emphasised that he has no connection to cricket and cautioned against believing WhatsApp forwards and videos of this nature unless they originate from his official platforms.
Therefore, the claim of Ratan Tata offering a reward to Rashid Khan is debunked as false, with Ratan Tata himself refuting the message.
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