Muhammad Yousuf Faces Backlash for Incorrect Tweet After Bangladesh Exclusion from T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan cricket star Muhammad Yousuf has come under social media scrutiny after posting an inaccurate tweet regarding Bangladesh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup 2026. His comments, which drew widespread attention, have now become a subject of ridicule online.

Yousuf’s Controversial Tweet
Following the decision to exclude Bangladesh from the upcoming T20 World Cup, Yousuf claimed that replacing Bangladesh with Scotland would cause significant financial losses to the ICC. He posted on X that the combined cricket viewership of ten countries—New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Nepal, Netherlands, Ireland, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan—totals 178 million, compared to Bangladesh’s 176 million. Yousuf further argued that sports should be guided by principles, not influence, and questioned ICC’s fairness in dismissing Bangladesh’s security concerns.

Fact Check Highlights the Error
However, Yousuf’s claim was promptly challenged via a community note. The note clarified that the figures he cited represented the population of these countries, not cricket viewership. According to global cricket statistics, Bangladesh accounts for only 4–5% of worldwide viewers, while Australia alone has a far larger cricket-watching audience.

Background of the Controversy
The controversy emerged after the ICC deemed Bangladesh’s request to change the venue ‘unreasonable,’ citing no substantial security threat from the Bangladeshi government. Consequently, Bangladesh was excluded from the T20 World Cup 2026, and Scotland was included in their place. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Signals Potential Withdrawal
In reaction to Bangladesh’s exclusion, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed support for Bangladesh and hinted at withdrawing from the tournament. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reportedly discussed the matter with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stating that a final decision on participation would be made soon. The Pakistani government has postponed its stance for a week, but any withdrawal could isolate Pakistan on the international stage and invite strict sanctions.