The world of cricket is no stranger to controversies, but recent events have plunged Pakistan cricket to a new low. Following Pakistan's defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025, former Pakistani player Mohammad Yousuf has come under fire for making a derogatory remark aimed at Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav. The incident has sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike, further highlighting the challenges and declining state of Pakistan cricket.
The controversy arose after Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with the Pakistani players following India's comfortable victory in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A game. While reactions to this were already brewing, Mohammad Yousuf's response took a darker turn when he referred to Yadav with a 'pig' jibe. This comment was seen as not only disrespectful to Yadav but also as a reflection of the toxic environment that can sometimes permeate the sport.
This incident comes at a time when Pakistan cricket is already facing numerous challenges. The team's performance in 2025 has been dismal, with a historically low win percentage in ODIs. In 11 matches played so far this year, they have only managed two wins, resulting in a win percentage of just 18.18%. This is the worst annual performance in the team's history, even when compared to the turbulent phases of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025 further exacerbated the situation. Pakistan were completely outplayed, managing a mere 127/9 in their innings, which India chased down with ease. This led to widespread criticism from fans and former players, with some suggesting that Pakistan cricket is "running out of time".
Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal criticized the team's performance and pointed out the flaws in the domestic structure. He noted that the selection process has shifted from being performance-based to being driven by personal preferences, which has hindered the development of talented players. Mohammad Amir, another former Pakistani pacer, has urged fans to support the team despite the challenges and has criticized ex-cricketers for pushing their own agendas and needlessly criticizing the current team.
Amidst the criticism and controversies, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also faced setbacks. Their request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft for the Asia Cup 2025 was rejected by the International Cricket Council (ICC). There were even reports that Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the tournament if Pycroft was not removed, but they later made a U-turn to avoid potential ICC sanctions.
Despite the current state of affairs, there is still hope for Pakistan cricket. The team has a must-win clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Asia Cup 2025. A victory would secure their place in the Super 4s and give them another chance to prove their mettle. However, it is clear that significant changes are needed to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing Pakistan cricket. This includes focusing on team development, improving the domestic structure, and fostering a more positive and respectful environment within the sport.
