As Pakistan’s painful exit from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues to make headlines, the team has found refuge from criticism from an unlikely source, as Yograj Singh has chimed in to counter former cricketers who have been vocal about the state of the team.
Many have expressed frustration over the squad’s underperformance. Pakistan, hosting the tournament for the first time, crashed out of the semifinals race following embarrassing defeats to New Zealand and India, sparking criticism from the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Wasim Akram, a legendary figure in Pakistan cricket, has been openly critical of the team, calling for a revamp of the white-ball squad and suggesting that young players with a fearless mindset should be given a chance to take the team forward. However, in a fiery rebuttal, former India cricketer Yograj Singh took aim at Akram, accusing him of doing little to help Pakistan’s cricketing cause beyond his commentary duties.
“Wasim is earning money doing commentary. Go back to your country, organize a camp for these players,” Yograj Singh stated in an interview with India’s News18. “I want to see which one of you can help Pakistan win the World Cup. If not, then resign. Mein jata hoon, ek saal mein team khadi kar kay dikhaunga tum yaad rakhoge (I will coach them. I’ll build this team in one year, and you’ll remember it).”
Yograj Singh, who has gained notoriety for his candid and often controversial views, slammed Akram for criticizing Pakistan’s players without offering any substantial help to revive the team. He emphasized that true passion and commitment were needed to rebuild the squad, something he believes Akram isn’t providing by staying on the commentary circuit and criticising from distance.
Yograj Singh’s comments come amid growing concerns over Pakistan’s cricketing future, with Akram and others calling for sweeping changes to the squad. His call for a change in the squad has been echoed by former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who remarked that even India’s ‘B’ team could easily beat Pakistan in their current form.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Pakistan’s cricketing crisis has reached a critical point, with former greats openly calling for wholesale changes. The challenge now lies in whether Pakistan’s cricketing leaders will rise to the occasion or whether they will continue to fail in reviving the nation’s cricketing pride.