New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has stirred a buzz in the cricketing world with his strong comments following South Africa’s emphatic victory over Pakistan in the final of the World Legends Championship. Raina, who had opted out of the tournament along with his Indian teammates, said that had India participated, they would have “crushed Pakistan without a doubt.”
“Even if it was India playing, the result would’ve been the same or better. We would have defeated Pakistan too,” said Raina, adding that “the honour of the country was placed above everything else.” The Indian Legends had withdrawn from both the group stage and a potential semi-final clash with Pakistan as a mark of protest against Pakistan’s perceived support for terrorism, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack that left the nation outraged.
Raina also lauded South African legend AB de Villiers, who delivered a masterclass in the final match held at Edgbaston, Birmingham. De Villiers scored a remarkable century, leading the South African Champions to a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan Champions. Chasing 195, the South African team reached the target in just 16.5 overs, losing only one wicket.
“AB’s performance was something out of this world,” said Raina. “To deliver such an innings even after retirement shows his class. Hats off to him.”
The Pakistan Champions had posted a solid total of 195 for 5 in 20 overs. But their bowling attack failed to contain de Villiers, whose attacking flair sealed a dominant chase for his team. The match was one-sided, much to the disappointment of Pakistan fans and critics who were expecting a tighter contest.
Raina also extended his gratitude to the organizers and sponsors of the tournament but stood firm on India’s decision to stay away from any fixture involving Pakistan. “There are moments when the message is more important than the match. This was one such moment.”
The Legends Championship this year became a battleground not just for cricketing skills but for political messaging and symbolic resistance. While South Africa walks away with the trophy, India’s absence echoed louder than many of the games played.