India has enjoyed a dominant phase in white-ball cricket over the last 2–3 years, clinching all of the last three ICC white-ball events: the T20 World Cup 2024, Champions Trophy 2025, and the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026. Remarkably, this success comes after the retirements of Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, highlighting how smoothly the transition has been handled under coach Gautam Gambhir.
Speaking on a Pakistani chat show, Akhtar praised India’s cricketing setup:
“I will say a couple of things about India. First, their policy won. Then the system won. Most importantly, their management won. In the past, money wasn’t always spent in the right places, and young Ranji players weren’t earning. Today, Gautam Gambhir fought for them. He gave chances to two youngsters, backing them fully. One of them, Sanju Samson, was picked despite all odds. They took a big risk without compromise.”
Akhtar also highlighted the role of former captains MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, praising the way they were celebrated and treated by the BCCI:
“What a beauty. Today they are standing as India celebrates. Congratulations to India. You pick on merit, you will celebrate. You’ve got your second World Cup prize — take it today.”
Akhtar’s remarks underline the respect India’s cricket administration, coaching, and talent development continue to earn even beyond its borders.
