#FactCheck: Viral 360-Degree Catch Video Is…

A viral video circulating on social media features a female cricket player performing an extraordinary 360-degree catch, leading many to believe it was a genuine athletic achievement. Research conducted by the CyberPeace Foundation has confirmed that the footage is entirely fabricated using artificial intelligence.

What happened

The video, which gained traction online, claimed to capture a real-life feat from a cricket match. Upon investigation, researchers found that the content was a composite of legitimate broadcast footage and synthetic manipulation. Specifically, the video utilized actual footage from the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup match between India and New Zealand, but the specific 360-degree catch showcased in the viral clip never occurred during the actual game.

To verify the authenticity of the claim, the team employed several investigative methods. A Google search for credible media reports regarding the catch yielded no results. A reverse image search of keyframes led researchers to a YouTube channel that identified the content as AI-generated. Furthermore, the team utilized AI detection tools, including Hive Moderation, which indicated a 70 percent probability that the video was synthetically produced. The investigation concludes that the viral footage is a deceptive edit, highlighting the increasing use of AI to manipulate sports media and deceive social media audiences.