Ratan Tata Refutes Claims Of Reward For Afghan Cricketer Rashid Khan

Industrialist Ratan Tata has issued a statement on his official X handle, refuting claims that he offered a financial reward to Afghan cricketer Rashid Khan. The post comes days after some small news outlets and social media platforms claimed that the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons pledged Rs 10 crore to the cricketer after the International Cricket Council (ICC) allegedly imposed a penalty on him for displaying the Indian flag during celebrations after their win against Pakistan in a match in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023.

The industrialist stated that he has "no connection to cricket" and that people should not believe in WhatsApp forwards. "I have made no suggestions to the ICC or any cricket faculty about any cricket member regarding a fine or reward to any players. I have no connection to cricket whatsoever. Please do not believe WhatsApp forwards and videos of such nature unless they come from my official platforms," Mr Tata said on X, formerly Twitter.

Many users had earlier claimed that Mr Tata was helping the Afghanistan player. "I congratulate Sri Ratan Tata for extending financial support to cricketer Rashid khan who has been fined Rs 55 lacs by ICC for braving Bhartiya flag on his chest while celebrating victory over Pakistan," a user wrote on October 27.