Usama Mir voiced his opinion on fan commentary towards the Pakistan men’s team after they were knocked out of the Asia Cup following a tense loss to Sri Lanka yesterday (September 14), urging his country’s supporters “to stop being so reactionary”.

Pakistan lost their final Super Fours clash against Sri Lanka off the final ball of the game, meaning they will not advance to Sunday’s final against India. Pakistan also lost their previous match in the competition, succumbing to a 228-run drubbing by India.

Reacting to criticism of the side online, Mir tweeted out a statement in screen shots from his notes under the caption: “I have a few things I want to say.”

In the two screenshots attached to the tweet, Mir said: “In good times everyone praises us. And then as soon as we have a few bad games we are the worst cricketers of all time and nobody is with us. This really hurts. We need your support more in the bad times than the good.”

Mir did not play in the game against Sri Lanka and while he was in Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup, he did not feature in any of Pakistan’s matches. His last ODI came in Pakistan’s series against Afghanistan which preceded the Asia Cup. He played in the first and second matches of the series, going wicketless in the first before picking up one wicket in the second.

I have a few things I want to say👇👇 pic.twitter.com/K7J00SuIxc

— Usama Mir (@iamusamamir) September 15, 2023

“When I debuted for Pakistan everyone was hyping me up,” Mir wrote. “I had a great year from National T20, to the Pakistan Cup, to the PSL, to the T20 Blast, to the Hundred and also the New Zealand ODI series. After 1/2 average games vs Afghanistan suddenly I’m an average bowler and don’t deserve to be in the side? This is crazy.”

“I think we need to stop this unnecessary criticism. It does have an impact on players. The management and the captain put in tremendous effort for Pakistan’s success. And I am confident we will find it.”

Mir singled out Shadab Khan as an unfairly targeted player after the defeat. Shadab took 1-55 off nine overs at an economy of 6.11. He also had an impact in the field, running out Kusal Perera with a direct hit.

“The most important thing I’d like to say is that 1-2 matches don’t define a cricketer,” wrote Mir. “If Shadab Khan doesn’t perform in a few games he’s not a bad cricketer. Now everyone is saying he’s in the team due to ‘friendship’ and other stuff. It is nonsense. I’ve seen first hand how he and the rest train. We give our 100% effort. Now if Shadab performs in the next game, all of a sudden he is the greatest etc etc? We need to stop being so reactionary as fans.”

Mir finished off his statement with a call for support for the team: “We’re going through a slight tough time at the moment but I’m hopeful the Pakistan team will bring happiness and joy very soon. Remember our team in your prayers.”

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