Pakistan’s cricket greats praised the Indian team; Wasim Akram calls World Cup final ‘a bad day’

Pakistan cricket legends have praised the Indian cricket team for its exceptional performance in the World Cup despite losing the final against Australia. Wasim Akram acknowledged India’s current strong position in the game.

Akram stressed that setbacks such as the final defeat were part of the game. Reflecting on India’s cricket infrastructure, he highlighted the effective programs and depth of talent that keep Indian cricket thriving.

PTI quoted Akram as saying, “Obviously they would have been devastated to lose the final, but such things happen in cricket. India had a bad day and unfortunately reached the final.”

“You look at their structure, the money for players, the well-thought-out program and the backup talent and they really need to keep these things going. Their cricket is in a good place,” he said.

“I was the captain when we played them in the 1999 World Cup final and although we beat them in the league stage, in the final they were a different team to yesterday in Ahmedabad,” he said.

Rashid Latif also expressed similar sentiments. He blamed psychological factors for the loss and said that the capabilities of the Indian team were at par with the Australian team.

The former Pakistan wicketkeeper said, “Maybe it’s just a psychological thing with the Indian players. This team deserved to win the World Cup final, but full credit goes to the Australian players for showing once again that they have mental elements in their game. How strong and organized they are.” ,

He also praised Mohammed Shami and said, “You see how he has come on and performed so well. In my opinion he was the best player for India in this World Cup.”

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq praised Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their leadership. “I think the young players will have learned a lot from both of them in this World Cup, in the dressing room and otherwise,” he said.