Thu Feb 12 04:57:04 UTC 2026: ### Headline: AI-Manipulated Video Sparks Controversy in India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
The Story:
A controversy has erupted after an AI-altered video, falsely attributed to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla, was broadcast on a Pakistani cricket show. Hosted by former Pakistani skipper Shoaib Malik on ARY News, the video purported to show Shukla reacting to Pakistan’s initial boycott and subsequent U-turn regarding a T20 World Cup 2026 match against India. Shukla has vehemently denied the authenticity of the video, stating that the audio was manipulated using AI and urging the public to disregard the misleading content. The incident highlights growing concerns about the weaponization of AI in spreading misinformation, particularly in the context of sensitive geopolitical relations.
Key Points:
* Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice-president, claims an AI-altered video attributed to him is fake.
* The video was broadcast on a Pakistani cricket show on ARY News, hosted by Shoaib Malik.
* The altered video presented a false narrative about Pakistan’s initial boycott and later reversal regarding a T20 World Cup 2026 match against India.
* Shukla emphasized that the statements in the video are not his and urged people to report such misleading content.
* The original video shows Shukla praising the ICC for finding an amicable solution.
Key Takeaways:
* AI manipulation is emerging as a significant threat in disseminating misinformation and exacerbating tensions, especially in politically charged contexts.
* Media outlets need to exercise extreme caution in verifying the authenticity of video content before broadcasting.
* Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate individuals about the potential for AI-driven manipulation and how to identify it.
* This event underscores the vulnerability of public figures to AI-generated deepfakes and the potential impact on their reputation.
* International sporting events are vulnerable to this kind of manipulation, highlighting the need for sports organizations to have robust protocols in place to address such issues.
First Piper 