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'Available Free Of Charge,': Wasim Akram Hits Back At Yograj Singh’s Harsh Comments

Rajgeeta Yadav

Wasim Akram breaks silence [Source: @Riocasm/X.com] Wasim Akram breaks silence [Source: @Riocasm/X.com]

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram has spoken out after facing severe criticism from former Indian player Yograj Singh. The criticism came after Yograj Singh accused former Pakistan players like Akram and Shoaib Akhtar of making money through commentary roles rather than helping the current Pakistan team.

The remarks were made during a cricket analysis show in Pakistan, following Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy. Fans and experts started questioning why retired players weren’t stepping in to support the struggling team. 

Yograj Singh publicly asked why players like Akram and Akhtar were staying behind the scenes instead of getting involved with coaching.

Wasim Akram Slams Yograj Singh's Comments

In response, Wasim Akram didn’t hold back. During a discussion on the DP World 'Dressing Room' show, he explained that former players who take on coaching roles with the Pakistan national team often face disrespect and criticism. 

"People still, on and off, criticise me or take digs at me, saying all I do is talk and nothing else. When I see Pakistan coaches-like Waqar here, who has been sacked multiple times after becoming a coach-and how they are treated, I cannot tolerate the disrespect," Akram said.

Akram also responded directly to Yograj Singh's comments, explaining that he would be willing to help the Pakistan team for free, but he wasn’t ready to deal with the negativity that often comes with it. 

"I want to help Pakistan cricket. Why do you want to pay me? I am available free of charge. If you organise a camp and want me there, I will be there. If you need me to spend time with the cricketers ahead of a major tournament, I will do that. But I am 58 years old, and at this stage of my life, I have a family-I have a 10-year-old daughter and two sons. I need to spend time with them. That said, I am always available. Free of charge, I will give my time.

"But I do not want to face insults at this stage of my life. I cannot tolerate it,”  he said.

Pakistan's poor performance in the Champions Trophy, where they failed to reach the knockout stage, added fuel to the fire. This follows a string of disappointing results, including their early exit from the 2023 World Cup and a shocking defeat to the USA in the 2023 T20 World Cup.