Mohammad Amirs Remarks Stir Up the Indian Cricket Arena

Left-arm Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir has sparked controversy in Indian cricket circles with recent remarks made on a television show.

Amir first described India’s Abhishek Sharma as “just a slogger, not a proper batsman.” He then went on to predict that India would not make it to the semi-finals after the Super Eight stage. He repeated both comments multiple times during the show.

The remarks triggered strong reactions in India. Fans criticized him heavily on social media, and former cricketers also responded. However, Amir maintained on the show that he stands by his opinions.

“I simply expressed my opinion,” Amir said. “Whenever India has played well, I have praised them. I’ve always said that everyone should respect others’ opinions. The kind of language some former Indian cricketers use about Pakistan—we never do that. I have never spoken badly about India.”

Speaking about Abhishek Sharma, Amir backed his statement with cricketing reasoning. “Abhishek’s defensive technique is of that kind. A cricketer who cannot block the ball—what else should I call him if not a slogger? If he cannot judge the line properly and defend, then what should I say?”

The pacer, who was one of the heroes of Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final, also said that former Indian cricketers should learn to respect differing opinions.

“Not everyone will think the same. We have played the game; we know how things work. The way South Africa and India are playing in this tournament, in my opinion, South Africa are currently the better side,” he added