Hazlewood lauds Indian Army; fans wonder if it's 'fake' account

The tension surrounding India and Pakistan has seen the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 be suspended for one week. The Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) match was also called off in Dharamshala after attacks from Pakistan targeted military sites in India.

Meanwhile, several Australian players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head, have reportedly expressed concerns about their safety. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, many are seeking to return home, with Aussie coaches Ricky Ponting and Brad Haddin also currently in India for the IPL.

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:

The BCCI has decided to suspend the remainder of the ongoing TATA IPL 2025 with immediate effect for one week.

Further updates regarding the new schedule and venues of the tournament will be announced in due course after a comprehensive… pic.twitter.com/YD7SOP0oaZ

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 9, 2025

Josh Hazlewood praises Indian Army?

On X (formerly known as Twitter), the pacer, who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), shared a post through what appears to be his official account, lauding the Indian Armed Forces. He added that the Army should know they have "mates across the globe rooting for you."

He said, "As an Australian cricketer, I've always believed in the spirit of standing tall against any challenge, much like our brave Indian Armed Forces who are out there fighting against Pakistan-based terrorists. To the soldiers of India, I want to say from the bottom of my heart: you are absolute legends. Your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting your nation inspire millions, including me."

Stay strong 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/0Ihljy5t0P

— Josh Hazlewood (@HOFFHazlewood) May 9, 2025

He added, "Every day, you face unimaginable odds with grit and determination, defending the values of peace and unity. Know that your fight is not just for India, but for the hope of a safer world. We Aussies admire your resilience, and I'm cheering for you not just as a cricketer, but as someone who believes in the power of standing up for what's right. Stay strong, stay safe, and know that you've got mates across the globe rooting for you. With all my respect and gratitude."

Fake or real account?

However, there has been some discussion about whether the Josh Hazlewood account on X and even on Instagram is real or fake. While the account follows many cricketers and franchises, no one is following it back.

Some fans who take it that it's his official account are praising him. However, others who are skeptic of it are stating it's a fake account which was created in 2023.

One said, "You won 115 billion hearts today..."

You won 115 billion hearts today.. ❤️😍

— Ankur Singh (@ankursingh241) May 9, 2025

Another said, "Lmao, fake account using ChatGPT."

Lmao fake account using chat gpt pic.twitter.com/fulV0tvokM

— Aman (@AmanHasNoName_2) May 9, 2025

One wrote, "This is bigger than RCB winning the IPL trophy! Thanks, Josh!!"

This is bigger than RCB winning the IPL trophy!
Thanks Josh!!

— Amaresh (@AmareshHombal) May 9, 2025

Another wrote, "Fake account, guys. Josh isn't on Twitter."

Fake account guys, josh isn't on twitter

— Nisarg Prajapati (@TechyNisarg) May 9, 2025

There are no reports yet on whether this social media page claiming to be Josh Hazlewood's is real or fake, and fans have been tagging Cricket Australia and others to verify it.