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IND vs PAK Handshake Row: Former Pakistan player Mohammad Yousuf, who got bashed left, right, and centre for his remarks on Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, has attempted to clarify them on his social media account. Stating that he didn't mean Suryakumar, he criticized the Indian media for making fun of Shahid Afridi when former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan called him a 'barking dog' in an interview.

Relations between the two neighboring countries have deteriorated significantly following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 tourists. Despite the outcry and demands to boycott the India-Pakistan match at the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, the game proceeded amid controversy.

After India outperformed Pakistan in every department to claim a 7-wicket victory, Suryakumar and his teammates delivered a strong statement by choosing not to adhere to the traditional handshake with the opponents. In response, Pakistan opted not to participate in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: Mohammed Yousuf abuses Suryakumar Yadav on live TV | video

During a discussion panel on Samaa TV, Yousuf commented on the entire episode and made an offensive remark about Suryakumar. While consistently referring to the Indian T20I captain as "Suarkumar," he accused India of manipulating umpires to suit their needs.

"India cannot escape their filmy world. Their captain, Suarkumar Yadav," Yousuf said during the live session in Samaa TV, prompting the anchor to correct him, "It's Suryakumar Yadav." Yousuf continued, "Yeah, that's what I said, Suarkumar Yadav."

"Yeah, that's what I said. Suarkumar Yadav," Yousuf continued, to which the anchor replied, "No, his name is Suryakumar Yadav."

After his remarks went viral on Tuesday morning, he was heavily trolled and lampooned by India fans and former cricketers. On the evening of the same day, Yousuf took to X to clear his stance, but launched an attack on the Indian media for the amount of criticism he received.

"I didn't mean any disrespect to any sportsman who plays for his country with passion and grace, but why were the Indian media and people praising Irfan Pathan when he said that Shahid Khan Afridi was barking like a dog? Shouldn't that have been rejected by everyone who talks about dignity and respect?" Yousuf wrote on X.

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ICC shuts down PCB  

The handshake row escalated after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complained to match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC laws relating to the spirit of cricket. Pakistan has also threatened to pull out of the tournament if a decision doesn't arrive in their favour.

As per several reports, ICC turned down Pakistan's appeal to remove Pycroft from the ongoing tournament in UAE.

Amid the escalating situation, Pakistan have cancelled their pre-match press conference before the match day against the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed the development on Tuesday evening.

Inputs from ANI