Overview

• On PTV Sports’ Game On Hai, Akhtar said “Abhishek Bachchan” when assessing Pakistan’s plan, drawing laughter as panelists noted he meant opener Abhishek Sharma.
• Abhishek Bachchan replied on X, “Sir, with all due respect… don’t think they’ll even manage that! And I’m not even good at playing cricket,” amplifying the clip’s spread.
• Akhtar emphasized that dismissing Sharma early would pressure India’s middle order, stressing a powerplay strike as Pakistan’s best route to control the innings.
• Sharma enters the final in standout form with 248 runs from five innings at a 206.67 strike rate and two half-centuries for unbeaten India.
• The Dubai final on September 28 follows a tense tournament that included skipped handshakes, provocative celebrations, and ICC complaints lodged by India.