![\"\u2018What](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-128666787,imgsize-179900,width-400,resizemode-4\/abhishek-sharma.jpg\" "\\"Abhishek")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir<\/a> has ignited fresh controversy at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, launching another scathing attack on India opener Abhishek Sharma<\/a> while defiantly standing by his explosive prediction that India will not reach the semi-finals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. <\/span>SUBSCRIBE NOW!<\/a>Amir, who has been at the centre of intense debate over his outspoken views, insisted his criticism was based purely on cricketing assessment and not disrespect. But his remarks about Abhishek\u2019s technique and India\u2019s chances have only added fuel to an already fierce rivalry. <\/p>\n All about Abhishek Sharma\u2019s lonely net session in Ahmedabad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWhen it comes to Abhishek, I just said that he doesn’t have a defensive game. A player who cannot stop the ball, what else do I call him?\u201d Amir said on the Haarna Mana Hai show. \u201cJust tell me what to call him if he can’t come into the line and defend the ball.\u201dThe left-arm pacer had earlier labelled the young opener a \u201cslogger,\u201d questioning his ability to survive against quality bowling. He also doubled down on his bigger claim \u2014 that India will fall short of the semi-finals despite entering the Super 8 stage as defending champions.<\/p>\n Poll<\/p>\n Do you agree with Mohammad Amir’s assessment of Abhishek Sharma’s technique?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Explaining his reasoning, Amir argued that other contenders, especially South Africa and the West Indies, are currently stronger sides.\u201cLooking at how India and South Africa have been playing cricket, I think South Africa are better,\u201d Amir said. \u201cI was just talking from that sense.\u201dAmir also hit back at former Indian cricketers who criticised his remarks, accusing them of hypocrisy and using abusive language against Pakistan.\u201cI have just given my opinion. We have always praised India when they perform well. One should respect one’s opinion,\u201d he said. \u201cIf I talk about the kinds of things some former Indian players say, they use such bad language. They abuse Pakistan. We have never done so\u2026 just tell me one time if I ever used bad language against India.\u201dThe former pacer said differing views are part of the sport and should not trigger outrage.\u201cLearn to respect someone’s opinion. There are 100 people in the world; not everyone can have the same opinion. We have played the sport, so we know how it works,\u201d he added.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav<\/a>, are placed in a tough Super 8 group alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies.<\/div>\n\n