Mohammad Yousuf questions Indian media’s double standards

Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Yousuf has responded to criticism following his recent remarks about Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav.

Yousuf pointed out that when former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently referred to Pakistan’s legendary captain Shahid Afridi as a “barking dog,” it did not trigger any controversy. He questioned why such comments were praised in India while his own remarks drew backlash.

Taking to X, Yousuf stressed that respect and decency should always be prioritised in sports. He asked why the Indian media and public appreciated Irfan Pathan’s choice of words, which, according to him, showed disrespect toward Afridi.

“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?”

Check: Mohammad Yousuf refers to Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav as 'Suwarkumar'

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

He further clarified that his statements were never intended to hurt the feelings of any cricketer and reiterated that he respects all players who represent their nations with pride.

It should be recalled that Yousuf, during a private TV channel program, had referred to Suryakumar Yadav as S**kumaryadav, saying that India was unable to come out of the “film world” and often tried to manipulate game with the help of umpires.