Mohammad Yousuf Blames 2021 India Win for Pakistan Cricket’s Downfall

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has offered a surprising explanation for the team’s ongoing struggles, linking the beginning of its decline to the 10-wicket victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. According to Yousuf, the emphatic win made some players believe they had achieved something extraordinary, which affected their attitude and discipline. He said players need to remain humble when performing well, warning that arrogance and disrespect can create serious problems within a team. Yousuf also claimed that the competition to become captain contributed to divisions in Pakistan’s dressing room.

Yousuf pointed out that Pakistan subsequently struggled across major tournaments, including ODI and T20 World Cups, Asia Cups and the Champions Trophy. He said the Pakistan Cricket Board tried several measures to improve the team’s results by changing captains, coaches and support staff, but the problems continued because players failed to take responsibility. In the 2021 T20 World Cup, Pakistan had chased India’s target of 152 without losing a wicket, with Babar Azam scoring an unbeaten 68 and Mohammad Rizwan remaining unbeaten on 79. It was Pakistan’s first T20 World Cup victory over India. Meanwhile, India’s women’s team has continued its strong record against Pakistan, recently defeating them by seven wickets in an Asia Cup Group A match.