India’s historic triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand drew reactions from across the cricketing world, including several former Pakistan cricketers who congratulated the Men in Blue while also analysing the match.

India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, lifting their third T20 World Cup title and becoming the first team to successfully defend the trophy.

Pakistani legends praise India’s performance

Several former Pakistan players including Mohammad Hafeez, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shahid Afridi, Sana Mir and Umar Gul acknowledged India’s impressive performance in the tournament.

While congratulating Team India, many of them also criticised Pakistan’s cricket system and questioned why their team had failed to perform consistently on the global stage.

The reactions quickly spread across social media, with fans discussing the contrasting views expressed by the former players.

Shoaib Akhtar’s comment sparks debate

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar grabbed attention with a controversial analogy while reacting to India’s victory.

In a viral video, Akhtar compared India’s dominance to a wealthy child in a neighbourhood who invites others to play but ensures he wins.

“India ne koshish ki aise ameer bachcha nahi hota ek mahalle mein… ‘aao cricket khelein, jeetna sirf maine hai’,” Akhtar said, suggesting that India’s dominance in world cricket has created an imbalance.

His remarks triggered mixed reactions online, with some fans criticising the comparison while others interpreted it as a reflection of India’s strong cricketing infrastructure.

Mohammad Amir admits prediction went wrong

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, who had predicted that New Zealand would win the final, admitted that he had been proven wrong.

Amir credited India’s batting strength but also pointed to New Zealand’s bowling struggles in the match.

“Credit goes to New Zealand’s bowling for India’s win. They were bowling wides and those same balls were getting hit for sixes,” Amir said.

He also remarked that the constant changes in New Zealand’s bowling attack allowed India’s batters to dominate.

India’s batting power proves decisive

Amir further acknowledged that India’s batting performances played a key role in the tournament.

“India has broken the myth that fast bowlers win you tournaments. Their batters won them the World Cup, and Bumrah,” he said.

In the final, India posted a massive 255 runs, powered by aggressive innings from Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan.

New Zealand struggled under pressure during the chase and were bowled out for 159, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling attack.

India’s emphatic victory sealed another historic chapter in the country’s cricketing journey and earned praise from players and fans around the world.