‘What else should I call him?’: Mohammad Amir defends Abhishek Sharma ‘slogger’ jibe, repeats India won’t reach semis
Times of India
by TOI SPORTS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
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Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has sparked controversy at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup by criticizing India's opener Abhishek Sharma, calling him a "slogger" due to his lack of defensive skills. Amir defended his remarks as a fair cricketing assessment, emphasizing that Sharma's inability to defend the ball justifies such criticism. He also reiterated his prediction that India will not reach the semi-finals, citing stronger performances from teams like South Africa.
Amir explained his stance on the show *Haarna Mana Hai*, stating that his comments were purely based on cricketing analysis and not disrespectful. He questioned Sharma's technique, pointing out that a player who cannot stop the ball should be labeled accordingly. Amir also doubled down on his claim that India, despite being defending champions, is unlikely to advance far in the tournament, particularly compared to stronger contenders like South Africa.
Amir defended himself against accusations of disrespect and hypocrisy from Indian cricketers. He argued that he had merely expressed his opinion based on performance, while some critics used abusive language toward Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of respecting differing views in sports and highlighted that not everyone can have the same opinion about a player's abilities or a team's chances.
This controversy underscores the intense rivalries and debates that often arise during major cricketing events like the T20 World Cup. Amir's bold statements have added fuel to the ongoing discussions about India's performance and its players' techniques, drawing attention to the high-stakes nature of international cricket. His comments also raise questions about how athletes and analysts should approach criticism and whether it should be taken as constructive feedback or seen as disrespectful.
The situation highlights the broader context of cricket rivalries between nations like India and Pakistan. Amir's remarks have not only sparked debates about player performance but also touched on the cultural and competitive dynamics between these two cricketing powerhouses. As India continues to face tough competition in their group, including South Africa and the West Indies, Amir's predictions and criticisms are likely to keep the conversation
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026