Shoaib Akhtar Slams India After One-Sided T20 World Cup Win, Says ‘Cricket Is Ruined’
Shoaib Akhtar claims India’s dominance has “ruined cricket” after the hosts crush New Zealand by 96 runs in the final.
India, Mar 09 : India’s commanding triumph in the 2026 T20 World Cup final has sparked strong reactions across the cricketing world, particularly from Pakistan. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar delivered one of the most controversial responses, suggesting that India’s dominance has “ruined cricket”.
India produced a remarkable performance to defeat New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs, securing their third T20 World Cup title. While many experts applauded the clinical display, Akhtar criticised the situation during the Tapmad show Game On Hai, comparing India to a “rich kid” controlling a neighbourhood game.
“It’s like when one rich kid gathers the others and decides who gets to play. That’s what India are doing. They keep a few teams, bring some back again and then say they’ve won. Cricket has been ruined,” Akhtar said during the discussion.
His comments quickly triggered heated debate among fans on social media, with many accusing the former speedster of reacting bitterly to India’s emphatic victory.
Earlier prediction favoured India but backed New Zealand
Interestingly, Akhtar’s tone before the final had been different. While he acknowledged India as favourites, he had also expressed hope that New Zealand might claim the trophy for the sake of balance in world cricket.
He pointed out that India would be under enormous pressure from a massive fan base and recalled their previous heartbreak in a World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad.
Despite the criticism, Akhtar also credited head coach Gautam Gambhir for backing players through difficult phases, suggesting that strong leadership can often shape tournament success.
Pakistan players question India’s dominance
Akhtar was not alone in making controversial remarks following India’s title win. Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir also offered a surprising perspective on a Pakistani cricket talk show.
Amir argued that New Zealand’s bowling unit failed to build sustained pressure, allowing India’s batters to dominate the contest. His comments further fuelled cross-border discussions about India’s growing influence in international cricket.
How India sealed the 2026 T20 World Cup title
India produced one of their most complete performances of the tournament in the final.
After being sent in to bat, the hosts launched an aggressive assault. Sanju Samson led the charge with a brilliant 89 off 46 balls, while Abhishek Sharma smashed 52 from just 21 deliveries.
Ishan Kishan continued his impressive tournament with a rapid 54 off 25 balls, before Shivam Dube added late fireworks with an unbeaten 26 from eight balls, helping India post a daunting 255/5.
New Zealand began the chase positively through Tim Seifert, who struck 52 off 26 balls, but India’s bowlers quickly regained control. Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stunning spell of 4/15, while Axar Patel claimed 3/27 to dismantle the Kiwi batting order.
India eventually sealed a historic 96-run victory, becoming the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup and the first host nation to win the tournament.
