Ex-Pakistan cricketer criticizes India, uses offensive remark about Suryakumar Yadav

Former Pakistan batter Yousuf Youhana, who later changed his name to Mohammad Yousuf, sparked controversy during a recent panel discussion with his remarks about India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav. During the session, Yousuf used inappropriate language while making a joke about Yadav’s name, which drew criticism from viewers and cricket fans alike.

The comments were widely regarded as disrespectful, especially given the stature of the players involved. Many fans took to social media to express their disappointment, emphasizing that such behavior is unbecoming of a former international cricketer and sets a poor example for younger players.

This incident has once again highlighted the intense emotions surrounding India-Pakistan cricket and how words, even in light-hearted discussions, can spark backlash. Yousuf’s remarks were seen as crossing the line of sportsmanship and professionalism expected on public platforms.

See Also: Asia Cup handshake controversy: PCB unlikely to withdraw, says source

Mohammad Yousuf Bashed Team India:

The 51-year-old claimed that the BCCI was leveraging its influence to control officials, citing the recent Asia Cup handshake controversy as an example of how the board exerted its authority over match proceedings and decisions.

On Pakistan’s one of big news channels Samaa TV, Yousuf said, “ India are unable to get out of their filmy world. India should be ashamed of the way they are trying to win - using umpires, torturing (Pakistan) by way of match referee, it is a high note.”

The former Pakistan batter, who amassed 17,300 international runs, made a disrespectful joke during a panel discussion, referring to India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav as a ‘pig’. His remarks sparked criticism and added fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding India-Pakistan cricket relations.

On the field, India dominated Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 clash, winning by seven wickets with 25 balls remaining. The victory further cemented India’s strong record against Pakistan. However, more attention has been drawn to the off-field drama and comments rather than the match itself, keeping the spotlight on controversies surrounding the high-profile encounter.

ICC Rejects PCB’s Official Plea:

On Tuesday, the ICC turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup panel, despite Pakistan reportedly threatening to pull out of the tournament. The issue arose after Pakistan held Pycroft responsible for the “no handshake” controversy during their Sunday clash against India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged a complaint with the ICC, claiming that match referee Andy Pycroft instructed captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav during the toss. Pycroft, a 69-year-old Zimbabwean with experience in 695 international matches, is set to officiate Pakistan’s final group game against UAE on Wednesday.

Additionally, Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema raised concerns with the Asian Cricket Council, alleging that Pycroft blocked the usual exchange of team sheets between the captains. Meanwhile, the Indian players opted not to shake hands with Pakistan, honoring the families affected by the Pahalgam terror attack and paying their respects to the victims.