India’s historic victory in the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand has triggered strong reactions across the cricket world. While many former players congratulated the Indian team for their dominant performance, some comments from Pakistan’s former cricketers quickly went viral and sparked debate online.
The reactions from Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Amir became the most talked-about moments after the final. Their statements about India’s victory and the way the match unfolded drew mixed responses from fans on social media.
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final, producing one of the most dominant performances in a T20 World Cup title match.
Shoaib Akhtar ‘Rich Kid’ Remark Sparks Controversy
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar delivered one of the most controversial reactions to India’s win. Speaking during a cricket discussion show, Akhtar claimed that India’s dominance has damaged the competitive balance of the game.
When Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar appreciates Indian cricket policies,
— Mamta Painuly Kale (@mamta_kale) March 9, 2026
it should serve as a wake-up call for
those living in India who still find it fashionable to criticize them.
it might be worth asking why some
people living in India are still so eager
to criticize them.… pic.twitter.com/o5S7863H5u
He compared India to a rich child in a neighborhood who controls the game and decides how things move forward. According to Akhtar, India’s strong influence in world cricket allows them to dominate tournaments in a way that leaves other teams struggling to compete.
His comments immediately went viral, with many fans criticizing the tone of the remark after India’s commanding victory.
Interestingly, Akhtar had earlier admitted before the final that India were the favourites. However, he had also said that he hoped New Zealand would win the title for the sake of competitive cricket.
Also see: “Proud of My Team”: Mitchell Santner Statement After New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 Final Defeat
Mohammad Amir Reaction After Prediction Goes Wrong
Another strong reaction came from former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, whose predictions during the tournament did not go as expected.
Before the final, Amir had backed New Zealand to win the title. When India eventually lifted the trophy, he was asked about his incorrect prediction during a television show.
🚨 MOHAMMAD AMIR CRYING AFTER INDIA WON FINAL 🚨
— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 9, 2026
Tabish 🎙️ – “Amir bhai, India has won the final. Your prediction turned out to be wrong. What would you like to say now?”
Amir 🎙️ – “India won, that’s fine. They’re not going to bring the trophy to my house anyway. They’ll take… pic.twitter.com/Jkim7oJQRZ
Amir responded in a blunt tone, saying that India would take the trophy home and not bring it to his house. The comment quickly circulated online, with many fans reacting to the sarcastic style of the response.
Later in the discussion, Amir also questioned New Zealand’s bowling strategy in the final. He said the Kiwi bowlers allowed India’s batters too much freedom early in the match and failed to apply consistent pressure.
Amir Points to Bowling Strategy as Turning Point
While analyzing the match, Amir explained that New Zealand’s bowling decisions surprised him. He felt the bowling changes lacked a clear plan and that the Kiwi attack struggled to handle the pressure of the final.
According to him, several deliveries were bowled too wide outside the stumps, yet Indian batters still managed to hit boundaries and sixes. He also questioned why certain bowlers were not used more consistently during key phases of the innings.
Amir said that pressure in big finals can affect teams mentally, and he believed New Zealand looked unusually tense during the match.
Pakistan Legends Also Praise India’s Performance
Despite the criticism and debates, several former Pakistan players openly congratulated India for their achievement.
Former cricketers including Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sana Mir, and Umar Gul praised India’s strong cricket system and consistent performances in major tournaments.
🚨 Mohammad Hafeez is all praises for the Indian cricket team
— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) March 8, 2026
Hafeez compared the Indian team with the Australian team from 99, 2003, and 2007 era.
"This Indian team reminds me of the great Aussies from 99, 2003, and 2007, who were ahead of the game while others chased them." pic.twitter.com/e3ENh67c2C
India deserved to win.
— Muhammad Noman (@Mnoman1984Noman) March 9, 2026
The Indian team has played like champions throughout the tournament, says Shahid Afridipic.twitter.com/Wix9dUoQsI
Many of them highlighted that India’s domestic structure and talent development system continue to produce high-quality players who perform well in global competitions.
Some former players also admitted that India’s victory showed the strength of their batting depth and their ability to handle pressure in major finals.
How India Dominated the T20 World Cup 2026 Final
India produced a complete performance in the final that left little chance for New Zealand to recover.
Batting first, India posted a massive 255 for 5 in 20 overs, powered by strong performances from their top order. The aggressive start set the tone for the match and placed immediate pressure on New Zealand.
During the chase, New Zealand attempted a counterattack but struggled against India’s disciplined bowling. Eventually, the team was bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs, handing India a convincing victory.
The win not only secured the T20 World Cup 2026 trophy for India but also reinforced their position as one of the strongest teams in world cricket.
India’s Victory Continues to Shape Global Cricket Conversations
India’s title win has sparked widespread discussions across the cricketing world. While many experts and former players praised the team’s balanced performance throughout the tournament, the reactions from some Pakistan cricketers added another layer to the story.
Comments from Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Amir quickly became part of the global conversation surrounding the final.
However, beyond the debates and reactions, India’s victory stands as a result of consistent performances, fearless batting, and disciplined bowling during the tournament.
