Following India’s thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai, a video of grand fireworks celebrations has gone viral on social media. It is claimed that the Dubai International Cricket Stadium erupted in celebrations, lighting up the night sky after India’s win.
The video is shared on Facebook with a caption: “The Dubai International Cricket Stadium erupted in celebration as fireworks lit up the night sky following Bharat’s 4-wicket victory over Australia.”
Here’s the link to the above post. (Archive)
FACT CHECK
NewsMobile fact-checked the above claim, and found it to be MISLEADING.
Several social media users have pointed out that the stadium in the viral video is not the Dubai International Cricket Stadium but Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, a football venue in Kuwait. Additionally, a Reverse Image Search of the video keyframes detects an Instagram post, dated December 22, 2024, featuring the same footage with #Kuwait. This confirms that the video predates the India-Australia semifinal match.
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Further investigation revealed another post from December 22, 2024, which explicitly states that the video was recorded at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Gulf Cup.
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Several media reports from December 2024 also confirm that the stadium hosted the opening ceremony of the 26th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Championship on December 21, 2024, featuring a spectacular fireworks display. According to a report by Qatar Tribune, the ceremony blended traditional Gulf folk arts with modern technology, culminating in an impressive fireworks show that captivated spectators.
There are also no credible media reports mentioning any fireworks display at Dubai International Cricket Stadium following India’s semifinal win.
Thus, it is clear that the viral clip claiming grand fireworks celebrations at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium after India’s win over Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal is misleading.
