Islamabad: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has refused to apologise for his controversial remarks on Suryakumar Yadav, insisting that he did not intend any disrespect.
Clarifying on social media, Yousuf wrote: “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?”
The controversy
The row erupted after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, when Indian players reportedly skipped the post-match handshake. Pakistan’s team in turn walked out of the presentation ceremony. During a TV panel discussion, Yousuf mocked Suryakumar by calling him “Suarkumar” and accused India of influencing match officials.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later filed a complaint with the ICC against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging he had advised captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart at the toss. Pakistan also objected to the claim that team sheets had not been exchanged as per norms. The ICC dismissed the complaint and rejected PCB’s demand to remove Pycroft from the panel.
With reports that PCB even threatened to pull out of the tournament, a withdrawal could cost Pakistan an estimated USD 16 million from Asian Cricket Council revenue.
Adding to the fallout, PCB director of cricket operations Usman Walha was accused of failing to brief the captain on tournament protocols. Furious over the embarrassment, PCB chairman and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi reportedly ordered Walha’s dismissal.
