Ex-India cricketer takes brutal dig at Wasim Akram, offers to coach Pakistan team

The defending champions Pakistan have had a poor campaign in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as they became the first-ever host nation to be eliminated in the group stage. Pakistan cricket team suffered back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India, and then New Zealand crushed Bangladesh, confirming Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament.

With India and New Zealand advancing to the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from Group A, Pakistan’s campaign came to an early end, which triggered backlash from former cricketers and fans. The Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan cricket team’s crushing defeat against India couldn’t they digest as always.

Yograj Singh slams Pakistan legends for criticizing the team

However, the Men in Green’s inconsistent performances have led to strong reactions from former Pakistani players, including Wasim Akram and Shoaib Malik, and many of them have questioned the leadership and strategy behind the team selection for the prestigious tournament.

Read Also: Babar Azam openly declared 'minnow basher' as Danish Kaneria demands strict action from PCB

Amid the wave of criticism, former Indian pacer Yograj Singh came forward in support of the Mohammed Rizwan-led Pakistan with a bold statement. The father of the legendary Yuvraj Singh took a dig at the former Pakistani cricketers for their lack of involvement in rebuilding the team.

Wasim Akram ji, what are you doing there: Yograj Singh

Yograj questioned why legendary figures like Wasim Akram were focusing on commentary rather than mentoring the struggling players. Even he went on to express his willingness to coach the Pakistan cricket team himself. Yuvraj’s father claimed that he could turn things around within a year and build a competitive squad capable of delivering strong performances on the big stage.

Yograj Singh was quoted as saying by Sportsnext, “Wasim ji, what are you doing there...earning money doing commentary? Go back to your country and organize a camp of these players. I want to see which one of you can make Pakistan win the World Cup. Mein jata hoon, ek saal mein team khadi kar kay dikhaunga tum yaado rakhoge (I will go. I will build this team in one year. You will remember it).”

Read Also: India great offers help to Babar Azam amid criticism from Pakistan legends

Notably, Yograj Singh has built a strong reputation for shaping young talent. Despite having a brief international career consisting of just one Test and six ODIs, the former Indian pacer’s contributions to the game extend far beyond his time on the field. He has dedicated himself to coaching, and running his own cricket academy, where he has nurtured several promising players.

Yograj Sigh's best coaching product was Yuvraj Singh

Among those who trained under his guidance is Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar. After training under Yograj, Arjun made an impressive debut in the Ranji Trophy. His maiden first-class appearance saw him score a century for Goa.

Yograj is also widely recognized for his instrumental role in shaping the career of his son, Yuvraj Singh. The former all-rounder went on to become one of India’s most celebrated cricketers. He played 304 ODIs, 40 Tests, and 58 T20Is for India during his illustrious career.

Yuvraj played a crucial role in India’s triumphs at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, cementing his legacy as one of the biggest match-winners on the biggest stage. Notably, Pakistan is set to play their final group-stage match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.