India’s emphatic triumph in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup final has sparked heated reactions across the cricket community, particularly in Pakistan. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar stirred controversy by claiming that India’s growing influence has negatively impacted the sport.

India defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by a massive 96-run margin in the championship match held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The win secured India’s third T20 World Cup crown. While analysts and fans widely applauded the team’s dominant display, Akhtar took a critical stance during the Tapmad program Game On Hai.

Using an analogy, the former Pakistani speedster suggested that India behaves like a wealthy child controlling a neighbourhood game. According to him, India dictates the terms of competition and still claims victory, which he argued has harmed the spirit of cricket.

His remarks quickly ignited discussions on social media, with many fans accusing him of reacting bitterly after India’s overwhelming success.

Earlier Prediction Before the Final

Interestingly, Akhtar’s tone before the final had been somewhat different. Although he believed India were the stronger side, he had expressed hope that New Zealand national cricket team might win the tournament.

He pointed out that India faced immense expectations from more than a billion supporters and reminded viewers of their earlier World Cup final loss to Australia in Ahmedabad. Despite predicting India could ultimately prevail, he said a New Zealand victory would have been good for the sport.

Praise for Coach Gautam Gambhir

Even while criticising India’s dominance, Akhtar acknowledged the role of head coach Gautam Gambhir in the team’s success. He noted that Gambhir’s willingness to stand by players during difficult periods can help build confidence and produce strong performances in major tournaments.

Other Pakistani Reactions

Akhtar was not alone in expressing controversial opinions following India’s title win. Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir also offered a surprising viewpoint on the talk show Harna Mana Hai.

Amir argued that the New Zealand national cricket team bowlers were partly responsible for India’s victory because they failed to create sustained pressure on the batting lineup. In his opinion, this allowed Indian batters to control the tempo of the match.

These comments have added to the ongoing cross-border debates surrounding India’s triumph, with many observers emphasising that the title was earned through consistent performances throughout the competition.

How India Secured the Title

In the final of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, India delivered one of their most impressive displays of the tournament.

After being put in to bat, India’s top order launched an aggressive assault. Sanju Samson led the scoring with a brilliant 89 off 46 balls. Abhishek Sharma added momentum with a rapid 52 from just 21 deliveries.

Ishan Kishan continued his strong form in the tournament with a quick 54 off 25 balls, while Shivam Dube finished the innings in style with an unbeaten 26 from eight balls. India ended with a formidable total of 255 for five.

Chasing the daunting target, New Zealand showed brief resistance through Tim Seifert, who scored 52 from 26 balls. However, India’s bowlers soon took control.

Jasprit Bumrah produced an outstanding spell, claiming four wickets for just 15 runs, while Axar Patel added three wickets to dismantle the Kiwi lineup.

India eventually wrapped up the match with a 96-run victory, making history as the first team to successfully defend the T20 World Cup and the first host nation to win the tournament.