New Delhi | RBN News
Several former Pakistan cricketers have praised India’s performance in the ICC T20 World Cup, acknowledging the team’s dominance and consistency after it successfully defended its title with a convincing victory over New Zealand in the final.
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India secured the championship with a 96-run win, completing a campaign that saw strong performances from both senior and emerging players. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, along with other prominent former players including Javed Miandad and Rashid Latif, publicly acknowledged India’s achievements and highlighted the structural strengths behind the team’s success.
The reactions came shortly after the final, reflecting recognition from across the border of India’s sustained performance in international cricket tournaments.
Afridi Praises India’s Team Depth and Balance
Shahid Afridi commended India’s overall team composition and depth, noting that the strength of the bench played a significant role in the team’s successful campaign.
In remarks shared on social media, Afridi stated that India had a balanced squad capable of delivering consistent performances throughout the tournament.
According to him, the presence of quality players even outside the playing XI demonstrated the depth of talent available to the Indian team. He said this level of squad strength allows a team to maintain performance standards even when changes are required.
Afridi also highlighted individual performances, particularly praising Sanju Samson for his contributions during the tournament. He described Samson’s innings in the final as composed and effective, noting his ability to build the innings while maintaining scoring momentum.
He also acknowledged the performance of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, stating that both players made valuable contributions during the competition.
Afridi further singled out Jasprit Bumrah, describing him as the backbone of India’s bowling attack.
According to Afridi, Bumrah’s versatility with the new ball and at the death—combined with his ability to deliver yorkers and slower deliveries—makes him one of the most effective bowlers in modern limited-overs cricket.
Miandad Highlights India’s Strong Cricket Structure
Former Pakistan captain and batting legend Javed Miandad said India’s victory reflected the strength of its domestic and developmental cricket systems.
Miandad observed that a team capable of posting scores above 250 runs in both the semi-final and final demonstrated exceptional batting depth and confidence.
He said that India’s current success is the result of a long-term, process-driven approach to talent development and cricket administration.
According to him, the country continues to produce high-quality players across multiple disciplines, including batting, spin bowling, and fast bowling.
Miandad noted that the emergence of young players who combine skill with tactical awareness indicates a well-structured system that consistently produces international-level cricketers.
He also pointed out that teams with a strong dressing-room culture and winning mindset tend to achieve sustained success in major tournaments.
Rashid Latif on Consistency in Big Events
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said India’s triumph did not come as a surprise, given the team’s repeated appearances in the final stages of major international competitions.
Latif noted that players who regularly compete in high-pressure matches gradually develop the ability to perform under intense scrutiny.
He added that India’s continuity in team selection and leadership structure has also contributed significantly to its success.
Latif contrasted this stability with Pakistan’s frequent changes in team management and selection policies, suggesting that inconsistency in planning can hinder long-term performance.
Calls for Structural Reform in Pakistan Cricket
Some former Pakistan players used India’s success as an example while discussing challenges faced by Pakistan’s cricket system.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Sikander Bakht said Pakistan would need to address internal issues related to selection policies and decision-making if it hopes to compete consistently with top teams.
Bakht argued that improving transparency and reducing internal disputes within the system would be essential for rebuilding competitive strength.
Former Pakistan cricketer and selector Muhammad Wasim also emphasized the need for honest assessment within Pakistan cricket.
According to him, acknowledging the strengths of other teams, including India, could help create the foundation for structural improvements.
India’s Dominant Tournament Campaign
India’s T20 World Cup campaign featured several commanding performances across the tournament. The team displayed strong batting depth and disciplined bowling, allowing it to maintain momentum throughout the competition.
The final against New Zealand saw India secure a comprehensive 96-run victory, sealing its second consecutive T20 World Cup title and reinforcing its position as one of the most consistent teams in international cricket.
Observers noted that India’s ability to combine experienced players with emerging talent has contributed significantly to its success in recent years.
Broader Impact on International Cricket
Reactions from former Pakistan players highlight the broader respect India’s cricket structure has earned globally.
Analysts point out that sustained investment in domestic tournaments, youth development programs, and professional training infrastructure has played a key role in strengthening India’s cricket ecosystem.
This structure has enabled the national team to maintain a steady pipeline of talent capable of performing at the highest level.
What Happens Next
Following the T20 World Cup victory, India is expected to transition toward upcoming international fixtures and tournaments.
The focus will likely remain on maintaining squad depth, nurturing emerging players, and sustaining the performance levels that have defined the team’s recent success in global competitions.
