Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousaf has blamed “political influence and personal agendas” within Pakistan’s cricket structure for the team’s decline, calling it the darkest period in the country’s cricketing history.
His remarks came after Pakistan’s 61-run loss to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match on Sunday. Chasing a target of 176, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure and the team was bowled out for 114 in 18 overs.
Expressing deep disappointment over what he described as a humiliating performance, Yousaf stressed that incompetent individuals must be removed from both administrative positions and the team.
In a post on X, the former captain said the national side will not regain its former strength unless political interference and personal agendas are completely eliminated.
“Unless we remove political influence and personal agendas from Pakistan cricket, we cannot return to the team we once were,” Yousaf wrote.
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.
— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) February 16, 2026
The 2009 T20 World Cup champions are now in danger of failing to qualify for the Super 8 stage of the ongoing tournament. Pakistan currently have a Net Run Rate below that of the United States. A loss to Namibia would end the campaign of the Salman Ali Agha-led side.
Pakistan’s recent record in major tournaments has also raised concerns. The team suffered a group-stage exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup and were eliminated from the 2025 Champions Trophy on home ground.
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