Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf clash: Pakistan cricket has been dealing with tough times after their humiliating loss against India by 61 runs last Sunday. After weeks of drama of not taking the field against India, Pakistan finally took a reverse of their decision and played the match, and yet again suffered a defeat. Though the Men in Green qualified for the Super 8s, the concern has been there.
Ahead of their Super 8 match against New Zealand on Saturday, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf got into a verbal fight during a talk show named ‘Har Lamha Purjosh.’ The fight began while the latter was speaking on a podcast, claiming that the Pakistan team had been overconfident after their historic 10-wicket win over India at the T20 World Cup 2021.
Mohammad Yousuf claims the Pakistan team are overconfident
As per Mohammad Yousuf’s claims, the players’ attitude changed as they thought them to be inevitable after their only win against India. He alleged that a few cricketers would be on their phones during team meetings and ignore the head coach’s instructions and suggestions. Yousuf believed that after this win the discipline and humility lost way to overconfidence.
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Yousuf’s comments went viral on social media, with Shadab Khan also slamming him during the press conference, and said that he has not earned anything during his playing days against India. Now, Shoaib Malik, who was a part of the 2021 team, has come forward to share his views.
Shoaib Malik differs from Mohammad Yousuf’s discipline statement
Shoaib Malik said, “You heard what Yousuf Bhai had to say, and he spoke about the match that took place in 2021, the World T20 match at Dubai Stadium. And I want to talk about this because I was a part of that team. And I am an eyewitness because I was a part of the team.”
Here’s the video
Shoaib Malik Exposed the rumors spread by some ex-cricketers that Current Pakistani Players don’t respect seniors and coaches and use cellphones during Team Meetings, saying that in 2021 he was part of the playing XI and it never happened.pic.twitter.com/HMwafChG7M
— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) February 19, 2026
“Until then, there was no such thing. Saqlain Bhai (Saqlain Mushtaq) was our head coach. And whenever Saqlain Bhai used to organise meetings, I had never seen a player in the midst of that World Cup.”
Shoaib Malik finally concluded, saying, “That the meeting was going on and someone was looking at the cell phone. There is nothing like that. After that, I was never part of the team. Yes, there was a foreign tour of Bangladesh. There was no such thing there either.”
Pakistan’s batting over-relied on Sahibzada Farhan?
The Men in Green won their final game against Namibia, with Sahibzada Farhan scoring a brilliant hundred. He has been the leading run scorer for the side and the tournament as well. Except for him, the other batters have failed to perform, and Pakistan, against a quality Indian bowling attack, faltered in the middle overs.
New Zealand is a very unpredictable team in the ICC tournament. They showcase their best form in the knockout stages. Salman Ali Agha’s side needs to be very watchful against the Kiwis and find a way to win and start their Super 8 campaign with a win. Pakistan’s middle order will be tested if Sahibzada Farhan falls early in the game.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan once again? Ex-cricketers drop bombshell T20 World Cup 2026 predictions
