Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has been vocal about Pakistan’s poor performance in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. Recently, Akram responded to former India cricketer Yograj Singh, who is also the father of legendary India allrounder Yuvraj Singh.
In a strong rebuttal, Wasim Akram criticized Yograj Singh for using disrespectful words and explained why he is not interested in working with the Pakistan cricket team. Akram’s response came during a local TV show ‘Dressing Room,’ where he addressed Yograj’s comments accusing him of merely speaking in a studio and not helping the players.
Akram did not mention Yograj by name, but it was evident that his words were directed at him. He accused Yograj of disrespecting others and cited the example of Waqar Younis, who has been sacked multiple times after serving as the team’s coach.
“People still criticize me or have a go at me, saying all I do is talk and nothing else. When I see Pakistan coaches like Waqar (Younis), who has been sacked quite a few times after becoming a coach, and their condition,” said Akram. “Aap log badtameezi karte hain (You guys disrespect them), I cannot tolerate it,” he added.
Waqar Younis has worked with the Pakistan team during various tenures in 2006, 2010, and 2016. However, he was removed from the role on all three occasions. In 2006, he joined as the bowling coach, while he was the head coach the other two times.
Wasim Akram also expressed his willingness to help the Pakistan cricket team without any fees. However, he does not want the pressure of working as the head coach but is willing to share his experiences before any big tournament.
“I want to help Pakistan cricket. Why do you want to pay me? I am available free of cost. If you organize a camp and want me to be there, I will. If you want me to spend time with cricketers ahead of a big tournament, I will do that,” Akram said. “But I am 58 years old, and at this age, I am not going to take such insults which you guys do. I cannot lead a stressful life at this age,” he added.
Earlier, Yograj Singh had criticized Pakistan’s former players like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar for only speaking and not helping the players when they need them the most. Yograj even offered to go to Pakistan and help the country’s players, claiming that he could make the team better within a year.
Pakistan crashed out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after losing to New Zealand and India. Their final match against Bangladesh was washed out due to rain, leaving them winless in their home ICC tournament.
