Wasim Akram addressed criticism from Yograj Singh regarding retired cricketers’ reluctance to support Pakistan’s struggling team during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. Akram, a cricket legend, stressed that while he is available to help the team free of charge, he finds the negative treatment of former players like Waqar Younis intolerable. He emphasized that despite his willingness to assist in coaching camps or training sessions, he prefers to avoid the stress and disrespect that comes with coaching roles at the age of 58. Akram expressed his desire to support Pakistani cricket without the accompanying negativity.
Wasim Akram addressed Yograj Singh’s criticism© X (Twitter)
Renowned as one of the greatest cricketers in history, Wasim Akram was posed a significant question during a conversation on a Pakistan-based cricket analysis program amid the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. Following the lackluster performances of the Pakistan team in this premier event, concerns have emerged regarding the reluctance of the nation’s retired stars to assist the struggling current players. Yograj Singh, a former cricketer from India and the father of Yuvraj Singh, publicly questioned well-known figures like Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and others about their choice to stay out of coaching roles and not support the players.
During a segment on DP World ‘Dressing Room’, Akram was asked the same question and responded candidly. A highly respected figure in the international cricket community, he referenced Waqar Younis’ experience to emphasize the harsh treatment that Pakistan’s legends face when they take up coaching roles with the national team.
“People often criticize me, claiming that all I do is talk and offer nothing else. When I observe the situation of Pakistan coaches – I see Waqar here, who has been dismissed multiple times after taking on a coaching position – and the way they are treated. Aap log badtameezi karte hain (You guys disrespect them), I simply cannot tolerate it,” Akram stated during the show on Ten Sports.
In response, Yograj Singh remarked that individuals like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar choose to appear on shows and voice negative opinions about Pakistan’s players instead of assisting in coaching camps. Akram sharply countered the criticism, asserting that he is willing to help the team at no cost, but he is unwilling to accept the accompanying negativity. Now at the age of 58, he desires to lead a life free from such stressors.
“I want to support Pakistan cricket. Why would you want to pay me? I am available free of charge. If you arrange a camp and want me to be present, I will. If you wish for me to spend time with cricketers ahead of a major tournament, I’m willing to do that. However, at 58 years old, I won’t endure the kind of insults you all direct at me. I cannot live a stressful life at this age,” he commented.
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