It is often said that excellence can turn even the fiercest rivals into admirers. Rohit Sharma and his team have left Pakistan in awe with their incredible performance after winning the Champions Trophy. Despite the historic cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan, some of Pakistan’s biggest cricket legends have acknowledged the strength of Team India.

Former players like Wasim Akram and Shahid Afridi have praised India’s dominance, admitting that the team’s performance has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Wasim Akram Acknowledges Team India's Strength

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram showered praise on Team India, highlighting their undefeated streak in major tournaments. He remarked,

"India did not lose a single match in the T20 World Cup 2024 and went on to win the title. Similarly, they remained unbeaten in the Champions Trophy. If they had played the tournament on Pakistani soil, I wouldn’t be surprised if they still won the title."

During the Champions Trophy, India played a total of five matches, including the final, and won all of them. They defeated New Zealand twice, along with strong teams like Australia and Pakistan.

India Could Defeat Even a World XI – Shahid Afridi

Even Shahid Afridi, known for his competitive spirit, could not stop himself from commenting on Team India’s performance. While his remarks carried a slight taunt, the underlying message was a strong acknowledgment of India's dominance.

Afridi stated, "Even if you create a World XI and make them play against India in Dubai, Team India will still emerge victorious. The Indian team is truly strong."

His comments indirectly suggested that he had concerns about India playing exclusively in Dubai, but he still admitted India’s strength. It is worth noting that before the Champions Trophy, it had already been decided that India would play their matches in Dubai, a decision that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had agreed to.

India’s Performance Wins Over Critics and Rivals

The statements from Akram and Afridi reflect how India’s exceptional performance has won the admiration of even their biggest rivals. Team India's dominance in world cricket continues to grow, proving that dedication and skill can break barriers and turn critics into admirers.