Fact Check: Deepfake Video Of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Goes Viral Amidst T20 World Cup
The investigation by Vishvas News confirms that the viral video of Shashi Tharoor is a deepfake. Tharoor did not praise Pakistan’s diplomatic stance during the T20 World Cup. While off-field misinformation spread, on the field, India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs on February 15 to maintain their dominance in the tournament.
- By: Ashish Maharishi
- Published: Feb 18, 2026 at 12:27 PM
- Updated: Feb 18, 2026 at 01:13 PM
New Delhi (Vishvas News): A video of senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is being widely circulated on social media. In the clip, he is purportedly seen praising Pakistan’s diplomatic stance during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Many social media users are sharing this video, believing it to be authentic.
Vishvas News investigated the viral video and found it to be fabricated. Shashi Tharoor’s viral video is a deepfake. Tharoor himself has dismissed the video as fabricated.
What is going viral?
A Facebook page named ‘Vok Sports’ posted the video of Shashi Tharoor on February 11, 2026, claiming that he praised Pakistan. In the video, he is shown saying, “I think how Pakistan played is indeed brilliant. I do not know what they would do on the field. But what they did diplomatically is absolute brilliance. The Indian cricket board was completely pinned hands down. This serves as a lesson that good diplomacy can even make a weak nation appear as a goliath. Pakistan has done it, and I want to appreciate them for it. It is unthinkable.”
Investigation
Vishvas News began its investigation by scanning Shashi Tharoor’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. On February 12, he posted a clarification in response to a Pakistani journalist sharing the fake video, stating: “Ai-generated “fake news” — and not even very good. Neither my language nor my voice.”
Further, ANI’s X handle was scanned, where Tharoor’s actual statement from February 10 was found. In the 56-second original clip, Tharoor addresses the media, saying: “I am a politician, but I don’t like to play politics in cricket or sports… Let the players play, and let the politicians do their politics elsewhere… I am glad that regardless of the outcome, cricket will proceed with this match.”
India vs Pakistan match (Feb 15, 2026)
The controversy comes amidst the high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and Pakistan. Pakistan had initially refused to play India in the T20 World Cup match, in Sri Lanka. Later, in a U-turn, they agreed to play the match. The much-anticipated clash took place on February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Despite the diplomatic tensions, the match proceeded as scheduled. India emerged victorious with a commanding 61-run win. Batting first, India posted a total of 175/7, powered by a blistering 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan. In response, the Indian bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, dismantled the Pakistan lineup, bowling them out for just 114 runs in 18 overs. This victory ensured India’s qualification for the Super 8 stage.
Vishvas News used several AI detection tools to verify the video.
Deepfake-o-meter (University of Buffalo): The WAV2LIP-STA model identified the video as 83.59% AI-generated.
Aurigin.ai: This Swiss deep-tech tool indicated a 78% probability that the audio was AI-cloned.
Expert Azhar Machwe confirmed that the teeth alignment and lip-syncing in the video showed clear signs of AI manipulation.
The investigation concluded by identifying the user who shared the deepfake video of Shashi Tharoor. Social scanning revealed that the page ‘Vok Sports’ is operated from Sydney, Australia. It has over 48,000 followers. The page was created on April 27, 2025.
Conclusion: The investigation by Vishvas News confirms that the viral video of Shashi Tharoor is a deepfake. Tharoor did not praise Pakistan’s diplomatic stance during the T20 World Cup. While off-field misinformation spread, on the field, India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs on February 15 to maintain their dominance in the tournament.
- Claim Review : Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor praising Pakistan’s diplomatic stance during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
- Claimed By : Facebook page ‘Vok Sports’
- Fact Check : False
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