T20 World Cup 2026: ‘India have the pressure of 1.5 billion people’ - Shoaib Akhtar warns ahead of final vs New Zealand

Former Shoaib Akhtar believes that India will face immense pressure in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, not only because of the high stakes but also due to the expectations of nearly 1.5 billion fans. Akhtar also pointed out that memories of India’s heartbreaking loss in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final could add to the pressure. That match, played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side lose to Australia by six wickets.

Now, with the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team set to face New Zealand in the final at the same venue, the contest carries even greater significance. The upcoming clash will mark the fourth meeting between the two teams in the history of the T20 World Cup. Notably, New Zealand have won all three of their previous encounters against India in the tournament. Led by Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand side will be eager to maintain that record, stun the defending champions, and capture their maiden T20 World Cup title.

“If the wicket at Ahmedabad grips and if it’s favourable for spinners, the par score will be around 200 or 175. Safe score would be 200 plus only. Now, will New Zealand be able to score 250 or 225 against India? If they do, India will be under a lot of pressure It’s also clear as daylight that India will also come fully prepared. I feel New Zealand may get bogged down in front of India, but India also has pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match at Ahmedabad to Australia in the World Cup final. I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket’ sake, it’s high time New Zealand should win this World Cup,” Akhtar said on the show Game on Hai.

Coming into the T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand had suffered a 1-4 defeat in a five-match T20I series against India in India. However, New Zealand had earlier achieved historic success by winning the three-match Test series against India 3-0 in 2024. Former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul has rated New Zealand highly ahead of the final clash. Gul believes that despite India’s strong form in the tournament, the pressure of expectations could weigh heavily on them in the title match.

”The New Zealand bowling attack appears stronger. India can be under pressure due to the home team’s big population. New Zealand recently won a series in India (Test series). They have experience with spin tracks, and India may also think that these guys played well against us and defeated us. New Zealand will have confidence. It will be a good final,” Gul said.