Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar sparked debate after sharing his strong reaction to India’s victory in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday.

 

India produced a dominant performance to defeat the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and lift the trophy.

 

Akhtar however offered a critical view during a show. “It’s like when there’s one rich kid in a neighbourhood who calls all the poor kids and says, ‘Come, let’s play cricket, but I'll be the winner.’ That’s exactly what India is doing with us. Out of eight teams, they keep four, and out of those four they call three again and move forward, and then they say, ‘See, I’ve won.’ They have ruined cricket entirely,” Akhtar said.

 

His remarks quickly drew mixed reactions from cricket fans on social media. Some viewers agreed with his concerns about the balance of power in international cricket, while others defended India’s performance in the tournament.

 

It is worth noting that during the co-hosted tournament, India played only one match in Sri Lanka while the remaining games took place in India. The tournament also featured both semi-finals and the final in India.

 

Interestingly, Akhtar had earlier taken a more balanced stance before the final. He had recognised India as favourites but also expressed hope that New Zealand could claim the title.

 

“I feel New Zealand might be bogged down in front of India, but India also have the pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match in the World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad. I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket's sake, it's high time New Zealand won this World Cup,” he said before the match.

 

Despite his criticism, Akhtar also acknowledged the role of India’s team management. He praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for supporting players during difficult periods and giving them confidence.

 

Akhtar was not the only former Pakistan cricketer to share his views after the final. Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir also discussed the match during the talk show Harna Mana Hai.

 

Amir suggested that New Zealand’s bowlers failed to apply consistent pressure on India’s batters, which allowed the hosts to take control of the game.

 

India set the tone after choosing to bat first and posted a huge total of 255 for five. The aggressive approach from the top order placed New Zealand under immediate pressure.

 

During the chase, wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert played an attacking knock of 52 off 26 balls. However, India’s bowlers quickly regained control of the contest.

 

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah delivered a match-winning spell and claimed four wickets for 15 runs, while all-rounder Axar Patel picked up three wickets for 27 runs.

 

India eventually secured a comprehensive victory and celebrated another major triumph on home soil.