Fake Social Media Account Poses As Josh Hazlewood, Drags Australian Pacer Into India-Pakistan Conflict: Report

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has found himself at the center of controversy after a fake social media account impersonating him shared politically charged comments about the India-Pakistan conflict, prompting swift action from his management and IPL team.

The now-deleted post, praised the "courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment" of the Indian Armed Forces, allegedly in their fight against "Pakistan-based terrorists." The post also included sentiments like, "Your fight is not just for India but for the hope of a safer world," and, "You’ve got mates across the globe rooting for you."

According to Australian media outlet 9News, Hazlewood had no idea it was happening and doesn’t even use social media. His manager, Neil Maxwell, confirmed to News Corp that Hazlewood does not have any official presence on platforms like Twitter or Instagram. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Hazlewood’s IPL team, acted quickly to report and remove the fake account.

Hazlewood, along with several other Australian players, had returned home after the Indian Premier League (IPL) was suspended amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan

Hazlewood unlikely to return to IPL 2025

While the date for IPL 2025 resumption is yet to be announced some bad news is installed for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. According to ESPNcricinfo report, Josh Hazlewood's return is in doubt. A shoulder niggle had ruled him out of RCB's previous home fixture against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3.

He was a doubtful starter for RCB's next match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 9 before the tournament was suspended, and he may have missed the remainder of the season even if the tournament had not been interrupted.

Hazlewood had said earlier in the season that he had continued a rehab programme during IPL 2025, having returned to fitness from a calf injury and side strain that forced him to miss parts of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (December-January), the Test tour to Sri Lanka, and the Champions Trophy (February-March).

ESPNcricinfo understands Cricket Australia (CA) isn't concerned by his injury and he is expected to be picked in the Test squad that will have a conditioning camp in the UK in the first week of June ahead of the WTC final.