The Indian cricket team became World Champions last night, after defeating the New Zealand cricket team by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India’s sensational win in the just-concluded tournament sparked strong reactions globally.
Shoaib Akhtar Slammed Team India After Historic T20 World Cup 2026 Win
While the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian cricket team has been receiving praise from all corners for its terrific performance. On the other hand, former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has made a controversial statement on India’s win. In fact, Shoaib Akhtar went on to compare the Indian players with a ‘rich kid’ dominating a neighbourhood game.
“India ne koshish ki, jaise ameer bachcha nahi hota mohalle me, jo saare gareeb bachchon ko bula leta hai, ‘aao cricket khele, jeetna sirf maine hai’. India bhi wahi kar raha hai humare saath. 8 teams me se 4 reh gayi hai, unko hara ke kehta hai, lo me jeet gaya,” he said on Tapmad.
(Which roughly translates to: “It’s just like a case of a rich kid in society who invites all the poor kids for a game of cricket just to beat them. It’s just like that, only four teams are competitive in today’s game, and India keeps winning.”)
🚨 MELTDOWN OF SHOAIB AKHTAR AFTER INDIA WIN 🚨
Shoaib Akhtar – “India tried this, there’s no such rich kid in the neighborhood, yet he calls all the poor kids, “Come play cricket, only I win.” India is doing the same to us”
Whats your take 😅 #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/QItC4zVfu8
— Fan Account Richard Kettlebourogh (@RichKettle07) March 8, 2026
Shoaib Akhtar Praised Team Management
Though, Akhtar expressed his disappointment, he also praised the environment in the Indian cricketing structure, praising the management for a strong merit-based selection based on the domestic performances of the players.
“It is the testament of their policies, system, and merit. There could have been a case where money was not utilised properly. Gautam Gambhir took the risk and brought Sanju Samson into the mix. Abhishek Sharma is young and brash; he needs to learn a lot. But Samson is very mature,” Shoaib Akhtar said.
“India showed how they give chances to the right players. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli said goodbye and now India have gone on to win the World Cup. With the speed they are going, it’s ominous.”
Shoaib Akhtar also tipped the Men in Blue as the early favourites for the next ODI World Cup. He said, “If you get the trophy today, take it today only.”
India Defeated New Zealand By 96 Runs To Win T20 World Cup 2026
India produced a dominant performance to defeat New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Batting first, India posted a huge total of 255/5, powered by a brilliant 89 from Sanju Samson and quick half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan.
In reply, New Zealand struggled under pressure and were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs despite a fighting fifty from Tim Seifert. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling attack with an outstanding spell, sealing a comfortable win and helping India lift their third T20 World Cup title.
