A live broadcast during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 took an uncomfortable turn on March 27, when former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed repeatedly teased former England pacer Dominic Cork about their playing days. The incident occurred during the pre-match buildup for the Karachi Kings vs. Quetta Gladiators clash at Gaddafi Stadium.
The On-Air Clash
What was supposed to be a technical analysis of spin bowling quickly devolved into a one-sided “roast.” When Cork asked Mushtaq for advice for spinner Adam Zampa on the current surface, Mushtaq pivoted to his own career:
Mushtaq: “Before I tell Zampa something, let me tell you something. How many times have you been in my pocket? Test matches, ODIs, and first-class matches. You remember that?”
Cork: “Mushy, you got me out once.”
Mushtaq: “I think many times.”
Cork (trying to move on): “But I couldn’t bat. Don’t worry about getting me out… Less about me, more about this surface.”
Despite Cork’s repeated attempts to steer the conversation back to the match and pitch conditions, Mushtaq persisted, calling Cork “modest” and insisting he was an all-rounder.
Fact Check: Was Mushtaq Right?
While Mushtaq claimed to have dismissed Cork “many times,” official records suggest a different story, particularly on the international stage:
| Format | Mushtaq Ahmed’s Dismissals of Dominic Cork |
| Test Matches | 1 (The Oval, 1996) |
| ODIs | 0 |
| First-Class | Possible dismissals in County Cricket (Sussex vs. Lancashire/Derbyshire), but data confirms only one international dismissal. |
Public & Social Media Backlash
The exchange sparked significant criticism online, with fans and commentators calling the behavior “unprofessional” and “embarrassing.“
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“Lack of Manners”: Many users on X (formerly Twitter) slammed Mushtaq for disregarding a peer’s professional question to boast about past glories.
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Cringe Factor: Viewers noted that the persistent prodding made for “awkward” television, especially as Cork was clearly uncomfortable.
