Ali Younis hits back at abuse directed towards wife Aliya Riaz after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup exit
- Laiba Abbasi
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Pakistan cricket commentator and analyst Ali Younis has strongly condemned the online abuse and personal attacks directed at his wife, Aliya Riaz, following Pakistan’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.
In an emotional video message, Younis accused sections of social media and former cricketers of fueling a toxic culture of hatred that has gone far beyond legitimate criticism of cricket performances.
“Karma means that whatever you do, whatever you say, it comes back to you,” Younis said. “The lies, hatred and filth that have been spread over the last few days will eventually return to those responsible.”
Aliya Riaz, one of Pakistan’s most experienced women’s cricketers, came under intense scrutiny after Pakistan failed to meet expectations at the tournament. While acknowledging that criticism of performances is a normal part of professional sport, Younis argued that many individuals crossed the line by targeting players’ personal lives and families.
“I have no issue with criticism of cricket or performance,” he said. “But when people enter someone’s personal life and household, they should not be surprised when there is a response.”
Younis reserved particular criticism for certain former cricketers and media personalities, claiming their comments had encouraged a wider culture of abuse online. Without naming every individual, he specifically referenced former Pakistan fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed, alleging that inflammatory remarks from prominent figures embolden anonymous users to spread hatred on social media.
He further expressed concern about what he described as a growing culture of online harassment and misogyny, arguing that influential public figures have a responsibility to reduce hostility rather than amplify it.
“Great cricketers and influential personalities have a responsibility to spread less hate, not more,” Younis said. “Whether it is men’s cricket or women’s cricket, players deserve criticism for performances, not attacks on their families.”
The commentator also rejected allegations circulating online that his relationship with Pakistan women’s team management had resulted in preferential treatment or travel opportunities. He clarified that any travel arrangements would have been funded personally and emphasized that his friendship with members of Pakistan cricket circles dates back to his childhood.
Younis concluded by defending the efforts of the Pakistan women’s team and management despite the disappointing results.
“I know how hard this team has worked, how hard the management has worked and how much effort the girls have put in,” he said.
“Some decisions may have been wrong and performances may not have been good enough. Criticise that completely. But personal attacks are unacceptable.”
His comments have sparked significant debate within Pakistan’s cricket community, with supporters arguing that criticism should remain focused on on-field performances, while others maintain that public figures must remain accountable for sporting failures.
The controversy has once again highlighted the growing issue of online abuse faced by athletes, particularly female cricketers, in the aftermath of major tournaments.