Post announcing Abrar’s signing was met with thousands angrily questioning patriotism of the Indian owners.
India have a treble of firsts before them in T20 World Cup final and the expectations of 1.4 billion fans behind them.
At the T20 World Cup final, the cricket-crazy nation hopes to bury the ghosts of 2023 and walk away with happy memories.
New Zealand are targeting a first T20 World Cup title, which would deny India their third – and in front of home crowd.
India aim to become first side to win three T20 World Cup titles, while New Zealand seek maiden crown in 2026 final.
Sanju Samson hit 89 for India as they posted 253-6 and beat England by 7 runs in second semifinal of 2026 T20 World Cup.
Finn Allen hits fastest century at a T20 World Cup as New Zealand crush South Africa by nine wickets to reach final.
Playing at home, India will be favourites to enter the final but England could halt their march in Mumbai on Thursday.
South Africa, defeated finalists in 2024, are no strangers to last-four exits but take an unbeaten run to semifinals.
