Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has sparked outrage after making derogatory remarks about India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, during a live television appearance. The comments have triggered a storm on social media, with fans and experts alike condemning his conduct. The controversy emerged in the backdrop of the Asia Cup 2025, where tensions between India and Pakistan remain high.
Following India’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in Dubai, the Indian players walked straight to the dressing room, avoiding handshakes. The gesture, which Pakistan’s cricket fraternity termed disrespectful, only added fuel to the fire.
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But Yousuf’s response shocked many, as he deliberately mocked Suryakumar by distorting his name and hurling insults. The clip went viral, drawing heavy criticism and sparking personal attacks on the former batter.
Converted from Yousuf Youhana by his captain. Was banned for match fixing.
Every aspect of national character in one man. pic.twitter.com/EPKjAdSqHg
— Arnab Ray (@greatbong) May 12, 2025
Converted मुसलमान मोहम्मद यूसुफ (यूसुफ योहाना) ने करारी हार के बाद लाइव टीवी पर भारतीय कप्तान को सुऽर कहा।
अंपायरों और रेफरी का अपमान किया और उन पर आरोप लगाए, यहाँ तक कि प्रधानमंत्री मोदी को भी घसीटा।
…. और वे सम्मान की मांग करते हैं और नैतिकता का पाठ पढ़ाते हैं! pic.twitter.com/xajEdM4ISk
— Dr. Anita Vladivoski (@anitavladivoski) September 16, 2025
But in Pakistan, a minority cricketer has to convert (Yousuf Yohana) to pay his lifetime subscription or escape from Pakistan ( Danish Kaneria – Pakistan se zinda bhaag). This peace of shit Farid, always posts such tweets to lick 👅 the foji boots bcoz after all he has to pay… pic.twitter.com/peuQxqMNZb
— Arif Aajakia (@arifaajakia) July 22, 2025
Mohammad Yousuf, current coach and former player of Pak was initially born in a Hindu family named Youhana but he was forced to convert and become Muslim in 2005 to get a chance in the pak team.
This is the reality of Pakistan. https://t.co/O7otn8Y2BJ pic.twitter.com/8JgAqehR6U
— Honest Rohit Fan💙💙 (@HitmanEra_45) September 12, 2025
On Tuesday, Mohammed Yousuf attempted to clarify his stance through a social media post. However, instead of offering an apology, he doubled down on his comments and even dragged former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan into the debate, further escalating tensions. His refusal to backtrack has left many questioning the spirit of sportsmanship he once represented.
I didn’t mean any disrespect to any sportsman who plays for his country with passion and grace, but why were the Indian media and people praising Irfan Pathan when he said that Shahid Khan Afridi was barking like a dog? Shouldn’t that have been rejected by everyone who talks…
— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) September 16, 2025
Former cricketers from Pakistan should be made to pass some sort of exam, or should be given strict guidelines on what not to say, before they are allowed to cover cricket tournaments on national television.
Yousuf’s disgraceful comments aren’t the first time this has happened.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) September 16, 2025
Mr. Yousaf is a lifetime example reflecting the culture of Pakistani Cricket now a days.
— Amit Kumar (@AmitCSS11) September 16, 2025
Who can trust you? You changed your religion just to remain relevant. In reality, a person like you is totally irrelevant.
Shame on you.
— Pranav Mahajan (@pranavmahajan) September 16, 2025
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been involved in a parallel controversy, accusing match referee Andy Pycroft of mishandling the post-match protocol. They alleged that Pycroft advised both captains — Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha — to skip the handshake at the toss. Demanding Pycroft’s removal, PCB even hinted at boycotting future games.
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The International Cricket Council (ICC), however, rejected the appeal, making it clear that Pycroft will continue officiating. A PCB withdrawal could cost them millions in revenue, leaving the board with limited options as the Asia Cup progresses.
