Overview

• Shoaib Akhtar, speaking on PTV’s Game On Hai, accidentally said Abhishek Bachchan when discussing India opener Abhishek Sharma and Pakistan’s plans for the final.
• Akhtar’s on-air line — that Pakistan should get “Abhishek Bachchan out early” to test India’s middle order — drew laughter from the panel and spread rapidly online.
• Abhishek Bachchan responded on X with a tongue-in-cheek post: “Sir, with all due respect… don’t think they’ll even manage that! And I’m not even good at playing cricket.”
• Coverage notes Akhtar’s actual advice targeted the in-form Abhishek Sharma, urging Pakistan to dismiss him inside the powerplay and to challenge India’s perceived aura.
• The final is set for Sunday in Dubai, with India entering undefeated and Pakistan qualifying after an 11-run win over Bangladesh, as recent on-field flashpoints and ICC complaints linger in the backdrop.