Shoaib Akhtar Calls India “Rich Kid” After Dominant Trophy Win in Ahmedabad

Shoaib Akhtar took a humorous swipe at India national cricket team after their dominant ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 win.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar reacted to India’s emphatic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, mixing humour with praise as he reflected on the Men in Blue’s dominance in the tournament.

The India national cricket team defeated the New Zealand national cricket team by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, successfully defending their title and securing their third T20 World Cup crown.

India posted a formidable 255 runs in the final, powered by aggressive half-centuries from Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Sanju Samson. The bowlers then completed the job, with Jasprit Bumrah delivering a standout spell and claiming four wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for 159.

Akhtar’s Humorous Take On India’s Dominance

While discussing India’s commanding performance, Shoaib Akhtar used a humorous analogy to describe the gap between India and several other teams in world cricket today.

“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. (“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.”)

Despite the light-hearted remark, Akhtar acknowledged that India’s dominance stems from a well-built cricketing structure.

Akhtar Praises India’s System And Gambhir’s Decisions

The former fast bowler pointed out that India’s consistent success is a result of strong policies, a robust domestic system, and merit-based selection. He also credited head coach Gautam Gambhir for backing the right 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,” Akhtar said.

ALSO READ | 101 Crore Of T20 World Cup 2026 Prize Pool Revealed After India’s Tournament Win

He further highlighted how India’s selection strategy continues to reward players who perform consistently.

India’s Future Looks Strong Despite Senior Retirements

Akhtar also noted that India have managed to remain a dominant force even after the departure of senior stars such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, praising the depth of talent in Indian cricket.

“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.”

Looking ahead, Akhtar even predicted that India could be among the favourites for the next ICC Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. “If you get the trophy today, take it today only.”