Former India cricketer Yograj Singh has slammed Shoaib Akhtar and Wasim Akram, urging them to leave the commentary boxes and help Pakistan on the field.
He claimed that he could fix and improve the Pakistan Cricket Team’s players in just a year. His remarks come after Pakistan’s early exit in the Champions Trophy 2025 following the defeats to New Zealand and India.
Yuvraj Singh’s father has criticised former Pakistan Cricketers for prioritising commentary and financial gains over mentoring young players, saying they need guidance now more than ever.
In the must win game against India in Dubai on February 23, Pakistan totally crumbled under pressure where they scored only 241 runs. India comfortably chased the target with 45 balls to spare.
Kohli’s 51st ODI century and explosive start from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill has ensured a dominant victory for India over their arch-rivals.
“Such big players like Wasim Akram-saying such disgusting things? And people around him are laughing. They should be ashamed. Shoaib Akhtar, such a big player-you are comparing Pakistan’s players with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli?
Wasim ji, you are sitting there and making money, no? Go back to your country and conduct a camp. I want to see which of you greats can help Pakistan win a World Cup. If not, resign,” said Yograj Singh.
“If I go there (to Pakistan), I will make the team better within a year. You will all remember me. It’s all about passion. Yograj Singh gives 12 hours a day for training. You have to dedicate your blood and sweat to your countrymen, your players.
“Talking big while sitting in the commentary box doesn’t make a difference,” he added.
Yograj Singh pointed his digs after the former fast bowler claimed that Pakistan no longer has talent.
Despite Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, attempting to argue otherwise, Akhtar continued to make comparison between Babar Azam- Virat Kohli, Mohammad Rizwan- Rohit Sharma, and Khushdil Shah- Ravindra Jadeja, questioning whether Pakistan’s players could match their Indian counterparts.
“So many Pakistan players are there, sitting outside and talking about the team — it doesn’t paint a good picture. Have you ever seen ex-Indian players using such harsh words for their own team? It has a big effect.”
“At a time when your players are low on confidence and the team’s morale is going down, if they hear what you all are saying, they will be under even more pressure. You are all legends-they will listen to you,” Yograj said.
“I am saying this to everyone. All these players came because of Imran Khan. Today, is there anyone like him to mentor youngsters?
“Tell Wasim Akram ji, Waqar Younis ji, and Shoaib Akhtar ji-you keep talking about talent. Pakistan is full of talent. You were also identified once. Someone helped you become good cricketers.
“I don’t like anyone from any country using such words for their own players”
Pakistan became the first host nation in 16 years to exit in Champions Trophy without reaching the knockouts.
Pakistan has been underperforming in ICC events ever since they failed to meet expectations in the 2023 World Cup in India. They also knocked out in the group stage of T20 World Cup following a defeat to USA.
Pakistan will be playing in the final group stage match against Bangladesh on February 27 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
