"I will build a World Cup winning team in a year" – Yograj Singh challenges Pakistan cricket critics

Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has launched a scathing attack on legendary Pakistan cricketers like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar for their harsh criticism of the current Pakistan team. The strong remarks from the father of former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh come after Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which the country is hosting for the first time since 1996.

Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment after consecutive losses to New Zealand and India, leading to their elimination in just four days. The 60-run defeat to New Zealand in Karachi and a six-wicket loss to India in Dubai sealed their fate. Their last hope was crushed when New Zealand defeated Bangladesh, eliminating them from contention. Following these setbacks, former Pakistan cricketers, including Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Javed Miandad, Mohammad Hafeez, and Shoaib Malik, criticized the team’s performance.

Yograj Singh was particularly outraged by Wasim Akram’s comments regarding Pakistan players’ dietary choices during matches. Akram, on a post-match show, expressed shock over players eating bananas during a drinks break, stating, "Even monkeys don’t eat so many bananas. Had Imran Khan been the captain, he would have given them a beating." This remark did not sit well with Yograj, who called it disgraceful and urged Akram to focus on solutions rather than insults.

“Wasim Akram should be ashamed for saying such things. Shoaib Akhtar is another big name making negative comments. Instead of just earning money from commentary, why don’t they take responsibility? Go back to your country, train the players, and make them champions. If you can’t, then resign,” Yograj told News18.

In a bold statement, Yograj Singh offered to coach Pakistan’s national team himself. Known for his strict coaching style in Indian domestic cricket, he claimed he could transform Pakistan into a World Cup-winning team within a year. "I will go there, train them, and in one year, you will remember my name. It’s about passion and dedication. I spend 12 hours a day coaching. Making big claims is easy, but success comes only with blood and sweat," he declared.

Yograj further challenged Pakistan’s cricketing legends, saying that if they truly cared about the team’s future, they should step forward and conduct long-term training camps instead of engaging in media criticism. "Do you think PCB will refuse if Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, or Shoaib Akhtar say they want to train the team for six months? But they won’t do it. They just want to criticize and make money from commentary."

Pakistan, the defending Champions Trophy winners, will play their last match of the tournament against Bangladesh on February 27. While their title defense has ended, discussions around their future and the role of former players in guiding the team continue.