India’s defeat in the World Cup final against Australia was a tough blow, but Pakistan’s cricket veterans have commended their exceptional performance throughout the tournament. Wasim Akram highlighted the effective programs and depth of talent that keep Indian cricket thriving, emphasizing that setbacks like the final loss were part of the game.

Reflecting on India’s strong position in the sport, Rashid Latif echoed similar sentiments, attributing the loss to psychological factors. He praised Mohammed Shami as the standout player for India and commended their leadership skills. Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq also acknowledged Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s leadership abilities and suggested that they must have taught young players valuable lessons in the dressing room and beyond.

Akram also pointed out his experience as a captain when Pakistan played against India in the 1999 World Cup, acknowledging that they had been a different side in the final match. Despite this, he believed that Indian cricket was still thriving due to its effective programs and depth of talent. Overall, these veterans recognized India’s strengths while acknowledging setbacks as part of the game, offering insights into how they can continue to succeed in future tournaments.