Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistan speedster, has spoken against Indian media and their habit of sensationalizing India’s loss for personal gains.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Shoaib Akhtar said that media in India is responsible for building a negative narrative around their national cricket team.
Shoaib Akhtar Blames Indian Media
The 46-year-old said that these channels have poured millions of dollars, and they ridicule their national team for the sake of their own business.
“Why does the Indian media portray that their team cannot lose a match? This is cricket. Pakistan comprehensively beat India and the same can happen to Pakistan. That’s the beauty of the game,” said Shoaib Akhtar.
“I still think India can reach the finals and I would love to see the repeat fixture of India-Pakistan as the World Cup final. The journey will be a bit difficult but they possess the quality to overcome this task,” Shoaib Akhtar added.
Babar Azam, along with fellow opener Mohammad Rizwan knocked off the target of 152 odd in 17.5 overs without losing a single wicket. Babar Azam hit 68, not out, while Mohammed Rizwan finished with an undefeated 79.
Shoaib Akhtar: Pakistan Suffered A Lot In The Recent Past
Shoaib Akhtar proceeded to take a dig at former Indian cricketers as well who spoke against the national team after they lost the match.
“I understand why media do it, it is their business. I will never understand how ex-cricketers who have played cricket at the highest level use such foul language against their own cricket team after they suffer a defeat. It is extremely disappointing.”
The former Pakistani pacer lastly pleaded to the public of both nations and said that they need to stop inciting hatred on social media and keep things respectful.
Shoaib Akhtar lastly added, “this win against India was absolutely crucial for Pakistan, not because India is our enemy but because Pakistan has suffered a lot in recent past. From 2009, Pakistan cricket suffered, and then the New Zealand episode happened. This win is important because watching the likes of Babar and Shaheen, our children will want to emulate them which is an ultimate victory for us.”
Pakistan had limited-overs series against England and New Zealand scheduled at home ahead of the T20I World Cup, but the tours never came to fruition. Both boards pulled out at the last minute to tour Pakistan, citing security concerns and the wellbeing of players. New Zealand had even arrived there, but withdrew a few minutes before the toss happened.
The win was Pakistan’s first win in 13 World Cup matches (seven in the 50 over World Cup and six in the Twenty20 World Cup) dating back to 1992 in Australia. Lanky paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi put India on the back foot from the start with the wickets of openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul off his first seven deliveries. He finished with 3-31 after dismissing India’s top scorer, skipper Virat Kohli for 57 in a total of 151-7 in 20 overs.