Following India’s 96-run victory in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar made a humorous yet critical comparison of the Indian cricket team.
Speaking on the show Game On Hai, Akhtar likened India to a “wealthy brat” who dominates the game. He said India plays against all the poor kids, but ensures that only it can win. “India has become like that rich kid in the neighborhood,” Akhtar joked. “He invites all the poor kids from the locality to come and play cricket, but he has already decided that only he is allowed to win.”
The comments came during a panel discussion with cricket legends Sana Mir and Saqlain Mushtaq. While the audience laughed at the analogy, Akhtar quickly moved to praise India’s structural strength and team strategy.
He attributed India’s third T20 World Cup title to a strong domestic system and the bold leadership of coach Gautam Gambhir. Akhtar highlighted Gambhir’s decision to make Sanju Samson a key member of the starting XI, noting Samson’s consistent half-centuries in knockout matches. Samson became only the second Indian batter, after Virat Kohli, to score fifties in both the semi-final and final of the same T20 World Cup.
Akhtar also praised young talent like Abhishek Sharma, who scored the fastest fifty in the final. While he described Sharma as “young and brash,” he admitted India’s ability to consistently nurture talented players gives them an edge over the rest of the cricketing world.
Finally, Shoaib acknowledged India’s efficient use of financial resources to maintain a strong cricketing infrastructure. “In many places, money isn’t utilized properly, but India ensures the right players get opportunities,” he said.
The former pacer’s remarks about inviting poor kids highlight the contrast between India’s wealth in cricket resources and other countries struggling with limited facilities. Despite the humor, Akhtar’s comments underline the importance of structure, investment, and merit in producing world-class cricket talent.
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