Ex-Pakistan cricketer’s derogatory attack on Suryakumar Yadav triggers Asia Cup 2025 controversy
A former Pakistan cricketer sparks outrage after insulting India captain Suryakumar Yadav and alleging BCCI’s influence on match officials during Asia Cup 2025.
Last Updated: 04.27 PM, Sep 16, 2025
The India–Pakistan rivalry in cricket has once again spilled beyond the boundary ropes, with a fresh storm erupting during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. This time, the controversy has little to do with the runs scored or wickets taken, but rather with the words spoken by a former Pakistan cricketer. His derogatory remarks about India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav have ignited a heated debate across the cricketing world.
The ex-player, while speaking on a television panel, not only targeted Suryakumar with distasteful language, calling him 'Suar', but also accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of manipulating match proceedings. According to him, Pakistan was being unfairly “pressured” through the decisions of the match referee. Such statements quickly spread on social media, with many Indian fans condemning the remarks and calling for more respect between rival nations’ players.
At the center of this storm lies the handshake controversy. Reports suggested that Pakistan had raised objections after being told by the match referee that their captain should not shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also alleged that team sheet exchanges were mishandled, leading to a formal complaint against referee Andy Pycroft.
What was PCB's demand in Asia Cup 2025?
The PCB demanded that Pycroft be removed from further Asia Cup duties. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected this request, insisting that officiating standards had been maintained. The refusal further strained relations, with sections of the Pakistani media accusing the ICC and BCCI of siding together.
Despite these off-field dramas, India’s performance on the pitch was clinical. The men in blue secured a convincing victory over Pakistan, which only added to the frustration across the border. But instead of the cricketing brilliance being the focal point, headlines have been dominated by the ex-player’s undignified comments.
For neutral fans, the incident raises larger questions about how former cricketers influence narratives in such high-voltage rivalries. Many experts believe that sharp criticism is acceptable, but personal insults against active players cross a line and damage the spirit of the game.
As the Asia Cup progresses, this controversy serves as a reminder that India-Pakistan matches are never just about cricket. They are battles of pride, politics, and perception, where even a single remark can overshadow the game itself.