Former Indian cricketer claims he can rebuild Pakistan team in a year

Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, has offered to coach Pakistan’s national cricket team after their early elimination from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.  

Pakistan, hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, was knocked out just five days after the tournament began. They suffered consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India, leading to heavy criticism from former cricketers like Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, and Shoaib Malik.  

Yograj, however, disagreed with the harsh criticism and called out former players for not supporting the team. He was particularly upset with Wasim Akram’s remarks about Pakistan players' diet, where Akram mocked them for eating bananas during a match. 

“I think it was the second, or the third drinks break. And I saw a plate full of bananas coming out for players to eat. Even monkeys don't have so many bananas. And it's their diet. Had it been our captain Imran Khan, he would have given me a beating over it,” Akram had said.  

Responding to this, Yograj said, “Wasim Akram should be ashamed for saying such things. Shoaib Akhtar, another big player, is saying bad things. Wasim is earning money doing commentary. Go back to your country, organise a camp for these players. I want to see which one of you can help Pakistan win the World Cup, and if not, then resign.”  

The former Indian cricketer, who played one Test and six ODIs, further claimed that he could rebuild the Pakistan team within a year if given the opportunity.  

“I can coach them. I will build this team in one year and you’ll remember it,” he added.