NEW DELHI: Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who found himself at the centre of controversy for allegedly criticising India over their refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players at the Asia Cup, has cleared the air, stating that the comments were wrongly attributed to him on social media.

"This match will be remembered forever with India as the big loser. The way the Pakistani team wanted to shake hands at the end has immortalised them as champions of the gentleman's game with India as the perpetual loser," Ponting was alleged to have said.

It was claimed that the comment was made on Sky Sports, which sparked a storm on social media as people began taking potshots at Ponting.

Ponting on Tuesday took to X to clarify that he has not made any public comment regarding the Asia Cup.

"I am aware of certain comments being attributed to me on social media. Please know that I categorically did not make those statements and indeed have made no public comment about the Asia Cup at all," Ponting posted on X.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav had justified his team's stand after the seven-wicket win on Sunday, stating that it was meant to show solidarity with the families of Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were gunned down by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

"Together, we came here, we took a call and I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave the proper reply," Suryakumar said.

When a Pakistani journalist asked whether the refusal to shake hands with opposition players was "politically motivated", the skipper replied: "I feel few things, few things in life are ahead of sportsman's spirit also. We stand with victims of Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this victory to our Armed Forces."