Shoaib Akhtar confuses Abhishek Sharma with Abhishek Bachchan, Bollywood actor replies

Shoaib Akhtar made an error, naming in-form Indian opener Abhishek Sharma as Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, while discussing Pakistan's chances of beating Suryakumar Yadav and Co. in Sunday's Asia Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The former Pakistan pacer, Akhtar, said that Salman Ali Agha's men could put India's middle-order under pressure if they get rid of Abhishek Bachchan early. While it was clear that he meant Abhishek Sharma, the blooper added a light-hearted moment in the build-up to the tense encounter.

“If Pakistan get Abhishek Bachchan out early on in a hypothetical situation, then what is going to happen with the middle-order? Their middle-order hasn’t performed well.” This blunder had the host and the fellow panellists in splits.

This incident came to Abhishek Bachchan's notice, and the veteran actor replied to a tweet admitting that he might not be a great cricketer, but the Pakistan team will not be able to get him out.

Abhishek 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧@juniorbachchan

Sir, with all due respect… don’t think they’ll even manage that! And I’m not even good at playing cricket. 🙏🏽 x.com/toisports/stat…

TOI Sports@toisports

#AsiaCup #INDvsPAK #AsiaCup2025 🏏😳 'If Pakistan get Abhishek Bachchan out early on' Shoaib Akhtar's masterplan for Asia Cup final against India goes viral 🔽 https://t.co/5D4k4mIUWp

07:12 PM · Sep 26, 2025

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India have met Pakistan twice in the 2025 Asia Cup so far. Both matches were held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The Men in Blue defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in a group-stage clash. In the Super Fours, India got the better of the Men in Green by six wickets.

Pakistan reached the summit clash after registering wins against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the Super Fours. On the other hand, India are unbeaten in the competition, having notched up a five-match winning streak.