Mohammad Yousuf Apologizes For Abusive Remark On Suryakumar Yadav

Kaushik Kashyap

Yousuf abuse SKY [Source: michaelscottfc/x.com]Yousuf abuse SKY [Source: michaelscottfc/x.com]

The aftershocks of India’s crushing win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup continue to make headlines off the field, with former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Yousuf at the centre of a storm. In a shameful moment on live television, Yousuf hurled an abusive slur at India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, igniting outrage across the cricketing world.

Yousuf says sorry but drags Irfan Pathan into storm over abusive slur

Now, the ex-cricketer has been forced to walk back his words, offering regret, but not without bringing back old wounds between the two arch-rivals. Taking to his Twitter handle, Yousuf admitted his abusive remark for Suryakumar Yadav was inappropriate. Additionally, he defended himself by pointing out instances where former Indian cricketers had made derogatory comments about Shahid Afridi, insisting respect in cricket must remain mutual.

“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?,” Yousuf tweeted.

The apology has done very little to calm the fire, with many Indian fans demanding stronger accountability for his comments, while some in Pakistan defended his frustration, highlighting how low they can stoop in justifying such behaviour.

Indian captain’s Army tribute hit Pakistan where it hurt

Yousuf also made comments on poor umpiring calls and unfair treatment from match referees. But what stung Pakistan the most were Suryakumar Yadav’s actions and words after the Asia Cup match. India’s skipper refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players, walking straight off the field. Moments later, in the post-match presentation, he dedicated the emphatic win to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and the Indian Army, sending a message that hit the Men in Green harder than runs or wickets.

The incident once again highlights how emotions run high in India-Pakistan clashes, often going beyond the boundary ropes. While Yousuf has expressed partial regret over his derogatory comments on the Indian captain, but the controversy has reopened the debate over the responsibility of former players, who, as public voices, are expected to set higher standards while engaging off the field.