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Yousuf Mohammed clarified his remarks on Suryakumar Yadav amid controversy over handshake snub, ICC’s rejection of PCB’s complaint and Mohsin Naqvi ordering Usman Walha’s dismissal
Yousuf Mohammed (L) and Suryakumar Yadav (R).
(PC: AFP, PTI)
Former Pakistan captain Yousuf Mohammed (formerly, Yousuf Yohana) took to social media to clarify his comments on Suryakumar Yadav.
He posted: “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 about dignity and respect?”
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
What Is The Controversy?
After India secured a 7-wicket victory over Pakistan, Suryakumar and his team chose not to follow the tradition of shaking hands with the opposition. In response, Pakistan withdrew from the post-match presentation. During a panel discussion on Samaa TV, Yousuf criticised Suryakumar, repeatedly calling him “Suarkumar” and accusing India of manipulating the umpires.
On Tuesday, the ICC rejected Pakistan’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the panel for the ongoing Asia Cup, despite the PCB’s reported threat to pull out, which would result in significant financial loss.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had lodged a complaint with the ICC, claiming that Pycroft advised their captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss during their Asia Cup match on Sunday.
On Tuesday, Pakistan cancelled a scheduled pre-match press conference, with team sources indicating it was to avoid questions about the pullout threat.
Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema also filed a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council, alleging that Pycroft insisted that team sheets were not exchanged between the two captains, contrary to the usual practice.
A pullout poses a significant challenge for Pakistan, which stands to lose up to USD 16 million from the Asian Cricket Council’s revenue.
It is reliably learnt that the situation arose due to PCB’s Director of Cricket Operations, Usman Walha, who failed to inform his captain about the tournament’s rules and regulations.
An irate PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the current chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), reportedly ordered Walha’s dismissal on Monday for the embarrassment caused to the national cricket team and its captain.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
September 16, 2025, 22:16 IST
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