The Aryavarth Express Islamabad: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has strongly criticised the country’s cricket administration following Pakistan’s 61-run defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group-stage match, calling it the “darkest period” in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
In a post on X, Mohammad Yousuf blamed political interference and personal agendas within Pakistan’s cricket structure for the team’s continued struggles. He said the side would not regain its former stature unless such influences were removed.
“Unless we remove political influence and personal agendas from Pakistan cricket, we cannot return to the team we once were. This is the darkest period in our cricketing history, and my heart bleeds for it. Incompetent individuals must be removed from office and from the team,” he wrote.
Champions of the 2009 T20 World Cup, Pakistan now face the risk of another early exit. Their Net Run Rate has slipped below that of the United States, and a defeat to Namibia would end the campaign for the Salman Ali Agha-led side. Pakistan had also exited in the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy held on home soil.
Match Summary
In Sunday’s clash, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field. After Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck, Ishan Kishan (77) and Tilak Varma (25) steadied India’s innings. Despite a middle-order wobble that saw India slip to 126/4 — including the dismissal of Hardik Pandya for a duck — captain Suryakumar Yadav, along with Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh, guided the team to a competitive total of 175/7. Saim Ayub (3/25) was Pakistan’s standout bowler.
Chasing 176, Pakistan’s top order collapsed to 34/4 following early breakthroughs by Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Axar Patel. Usman Khan fought back with 44 off 34 balls, but the resistance proved insufficient as Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
Axar Patel (2/29) led India’s bowling attack, supported by Hardik (2/16), Bumrah (2/17), and Varun Chakaravarthy (2/17).
With three wins in three matches, India sit atop Group A and have progressed to the Super 8 stage. Pakistan, with two wins and a loss, are currently third in the standings, while the United States occupy second place.
The victory also extended India’s dominance over Pakistan in T20 World Cup encounters, improving their head-to-head record in the tournament to 8-1.
