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The aftermath of the India vs Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 has taken an ugly turn after former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf referred to Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav with a derogatory slur on live television.
Mohammad Yousuf sparks outrage with ‘pig’ jibe at Suryakumar Yadav
Yousuf repeatedly called him “Suar Kumar” – translating to pig – while commenting on the post-match handshake controversy.
The remark, made during a televised panel discussion, has sparked widespread outrage across the cricketing fraternity. Despite the anchor’s attempt to stop him, Yousuf persisted with the insult, drawing criticism for crossing the line of decency.
The controversy stems from the Asia Cup 2025 group-stage encounter in Dubai on September 14, where India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets. Following the victory, Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani players – a symbolic gesture in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Suryakumar later dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces engaged in Operation Sindoor, further underlining the political and emotional weight surrounding the match.
Pakistan’s reaction was swift, with their players visibly upset and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filing an official complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, whom they accused of mishandling the situation.
Amit Mishra hits back strongly at Mohammad Yousuf
Former India spinner Amit Mishra condemned Yousuf’s outburst in no uncertain terms. He called the remarks “shameful” and “uneducated,” questioning how a cricketer of Yousuf’s stature could resort to such personal abuse.
“Despite being a Test cricketer, he has made such remarks. They speak nonsense. They have been doing it for a long time. They complained about the match referee, but it was India’s decision not to shake hands. We should ignore such people,” Mishra was quoted as saying to PTI, emphasizing that such behaviour reflects more on Yousuf’s character than on the Indian captain.
Mishra added that Team India’s conduct – playing the match despite heightened tensions and choosing not to engage in symbolic gestures afterward – was a mark of respect both for the game and for the terror attack victims honoured by Suryakumar Yadav.
“I am with the Indian team, and the entire nation is with the team. Pakistan players show their class. We haven’t seen Indian players making derogatory remarks. They are not cricketers for me. This shows the difference between the cricketers from two countries,” Mishra signed off.
Meanwhile, Yousuf attempted to justify his comment afterwards on social media but faced even greater backlash. Many accused him of deflecting criticism by hiding behind emotion, rather than acknowledging the harm done by his words.
“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 wrote on X.
Also READ: ICC to take disciplinary action against PCB over Asia Cup 2025 rule violations
