Akhtar reminds India of Ahmedabad heartbreak before T20 World Cup final, Gul warns about pressure: 'They have already lost'

Former Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul have tried to create pressure on the Indian cricket team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand, reminding them about the so-called ‘bad luck’ associated with Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the expectations of the 1.5 billion Indians. The India vs New Zealand final in the T20 World Cup will be played on Sunday (8 March) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

India had suffered a crushing 76-run defeat to South Africa in the Super 8 stage of the tournament at Ahmedabad, which pushed them to the brink of elimination before victories against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. India also lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia at the same venue.

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The unimpressive atmosphere in the stadium that can house 132,000 fans, and the poor results in recent big matches have created the image that Ahmedabad as a venue is unlucky for India.

Akhtar, Gul feel home support can backfire against India

Alluding to the same, former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that India’s ‘poor’ record at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the pressure from over a billion fans could go against them in the T20 World Cup final.

“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,” Shoaib Akhtar said on Game on Hai show.

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“It’s also clear as daylight that India will also come full prepared. I feel New Zealand may get bogged down in front of India, but India also have pressure of 1.5 billion people. They have already lost a match at Ahmedabad to Australia in the World Cup final.”

Akhtar, however, added that India are the favourites, but New Zealand must win the T20 World Cup 2026 for the sake of cricket.

“I see India as the winner out of all this, but for cricket’s sake, it’s high time New Zealand should win this World Cup.”

Fellow panellist and former pacer, Umar Gul, agreed with Akhtar as he reiterated that the pressure of expectations may result in India’s failure in the final.

“New Zealand bowling attack appears stronger. India can be under pressure due to the home team’s big population,” Gul said. “New Zealand recently won a series in India (Test series). They have experience with spin track, 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.”

India reached the final by beating England in a thrilling semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.