Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh took a strong jab at Pakistan following their defeat to India in the Group A match of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. He slammed Abrar Ahmed for his unsportsmanlike send-off to Shubman Gill and accused fast bowler Shaheen Afridi of intentionally bowling wides to prevent Virat Kohli from scoring a century.

During the 42nd over of India's innings, the two-time champions needed 17 runs to clinch victory, while Kohli was just 13 runs shy of his first-ever ton in the Champions Trophy and his fourth against Pakistan. However, Shaheen made it tough for Kohli by delivering three wides in his final over, giving away four extra runs. By the end of that over, India needed five runs, and Kohli needed six to hit the century.

In an interview with News 18, Yograj criticized Shaheen for his "cheap mentality" and pointed out that poor leadership was a factor in Pakistan's early exit from the tournament.

"After getting the opponent out, one of the players (Abrar Ahmed) made a gesture. Then, when Kohli was on the verge of a hundred... if you’re capable, bowl well and get him out. What was Shaheen doing by bowling wides to stop him from scoring a century? That’s just a cheap mentality. Regardless of the outcome, you should play like a champion. Unfortunately, Pakistan lacks strong leadership both in the team and in the country. I heard what the Prime Minister said and couldn’t help but laugh. I feel sorry for Pakistan," he remarked.

The crowd in Dubai also voiced their disapproval of Shaheen's actions. Nevertheless, thanks to Axar Patel, Kohli achieved his milestone in the next over, hitting a winning boundary to secure his first Champions Trophy century.

Pakistan has been eliminated from the Champions Trophy

In just four days, the home team and reigning champs faced a shocking early exit from the Champions Trophy. They kicked off the tournament last week in Karachi with a loss to New Zealand.

Now, Pakistan is set to play their last match against Bangladesh, who also got knocked out on Monday, in Rawalpindi this Thursday.

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