Ashok Aswalkar, Suryakumar Yadav's childhood cricket coach, criticized former Pakistani cricket team batsman Mohammad Yousuf for his startlingly disparaging remark.
While talking about the 'handshake' controversy at the 2025 Asia Cup, Yousuf frequently referred to Suryakumar as a "Suar (pig) Kumar Yadav" during his appearance on a Pakistani TV channel. During the toss, Surya did not shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart, Salman Agha.
Even after defeating Pakistan by seven wickets, India's players went straight to the changing room without shaking hands. It caused a great deal of controversy, and Yousuf's remarks fueled it even more.
A former international player like Yousuf shouldn't make remarks like these, Aswalkar said, adding that Pakistan should focus on their cricket rather than criticizing other players.
"Do they even have anything else to say? They are going to keep saying filthy things. They cannot do what they are meant to on the field. But they are doing everything else. The world is watching. This is the only thing that is in their hand, and they are doing it quite diligently.
Everyone has their own reputation. If you are saying things like this after playing cricket at the international level, it is the wrong thing. Everyone should talk at their own levels. It is okay if you are talking about cricketing theories. But it is not good to make comments outside cricket," Aswalkar told NDTV.
Following their defeat by India in the Group A encounter, Aswalkar also gave Pakistani cricket players some very explicit advice.
“Say whatever you want about cricket. Otherwise, you should not talk like this about anyone. Our team is playing good cricket. You should also try to play good cricket on the field. You need to concentrate on cricket in their country. Concentrate on cricket, play the game well, and everyone will appreciate you. There is no point in talking about other players,” Aswalkar said.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead India against Oman in their final Group A match in Abu Dhabi on September 19. India has already qualified for the Super 4s stage. On the other hand, Pakistan needs to defeat the UAE in their final Group A game, and if they do, they will again face India on Sunday in the Super 4s.
