In a hilarious and cautionary episode that lit up cricket Twitter, Ravichandran Ashwin exposed a scammer impersonating Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa who tried to obtain the personal contact details of Indian cricketers including Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Sanju Samson. The incident unfolded on October 19, 2025, when Ashwin shared a screen-recording of his WhatsApp chat with the fraudster, who messaged him from a UAE-based number and addressed him as “brother.”
The imposter asked Ashwin for Abhishek Sharma’s number and later expanded the request to include several other players. Ashwin, known for his wit and presence on social media, responded with sarcasm and even joked about compiling MS Dhoni’s contact in an Excel sheet. The post went viral, triggering a wave of memes and comments, with fans quipping, “Give DSP Siraj’s number too,” referencing Mohammed Siraj’s nickname and his fiery on-field persona.
🧠 Key Highlights of the WhatsApp Scam Incident
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 19, 2025 |
| Platform | WhatsApp, Instagram, X (Twitter) |
| Impersonated Identity | Adam Zampa (Australian cricketer) |
| Targeted Cricketers | Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Bumrah, Samson, Dube |
| Ashwin’s Response | Sarcastic trolling, public exposure |
| Fan Reaction | Memes, jokes, DSP Siraj references |
| Security Message | Beware of impersonation scams targeting athletes |
Ashwin’s move was praised for raising awareness about digital impersonation while keeping the tone light and engaging.
📊 Timeline of the Fake Adam Zampa Chat Incident
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| October 18 | Ashwin receives WhatsApp message from UAE number |
| October 19 | Ashwin shares screen-recording on social media |
| October 20 | Fans flood X with memes and reactions |
| October 21 | Media covers incident as a blend of humor and caution |
The scammer even attempted to call Ashwin when he didn’t respond, prompting the spinner to troll him further.
🗣️ Reactions from Cricketers, Fans, and Media
- Ashwin (via Instagram): “Should I send Dhoni’s number in Excel format?”
- Fan on X: “Give DSP Siraj’s number. He’ll handle it.”
- Cricket Analyst: “Ashwin’s response was witty but also highlights a serious issue.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Cricketers | Silent but amused, some resharing Ashwin’s post |
| Fans | Flooded social media with jokes and memes |
| Media | Framed it as a humorous yet cautionary tale |
| Cybersecurity Experts | Warning about athlete-targeted impersonation scams |
The incident has sparked conversations about digital privacy and social engineering risks in sports.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Recent Impersonation Attempts in Cricket
| Year | Impersonated Identity | Targeted Cricketer | Platform Used | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Fake IPL Franchise | Domestic players | Reported to BCCI | |
| 2024 | Fake Sponsor Agent | Women cricketers | Account blocked | |
| 2025 | Fake Adam Zampa | Ashwin | Public exposure |
Ashwin’s proactive response sets a precedent for transparency and humor in tackling scams.
🧭 What to Watch in Cricket’s Digital Landscape
- Cybersecurity Training: BCCI may initiate awareness sessions for players
- Platform Verification: Cricketers urged to use verified social handles
- Fan Engagement: Memes and humor as tools for digital literacy
- Athlete Privacy: Stronger protocols for contact sharing and data protection
Ashwin’s post has not only entertained but also educated fans about the importance of digital vigilance.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified social media posts, media reports, and public commentary as of October 21, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute legal advice, cybersecurity guidance, or official BCCI communication and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
