The India vs Pakistan tension spilled off the field ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. In fact, Abhishek Sharma sparked a heated debate among former Pakistani cricketers including Mohammad Aamir, Rashid Latif and Ahmed Shehzad.
Mohammad Aamir called Abhishek Sharma a ‘slogger’
It was Mohammad Aamir who sparked controversy by attacking the young Indian opener. He called Abhishek Sharma a “slogger” and questioned his technique. The former Pakistani fast bowler also claimed that the left-handed batsman has not faced real challenges yet, so he cannot call him a proper batsman.
Amir suggested that the flat pitches and small grounds made things easier for them. He stressed that the real test would be on the swing pitches of places like South Africa, England and New Zealand and that when he scores runs in these conditions, he himself would call him a proper batsman.
Also read: Virat Kohli’s angle in forcing MS Dhoni to step down from captaincy finally comes to light
Is he a proper batsman?
“He is a slugger. He is just a slugger, that simple. Who doesn’t know how to line up the ball. What would I call him? Is he a proper batsman? He hasn’t even been tested yet and hasn’t proven himself,” Aamir said on Geo News’ ‘Harna Mana Hai’ show.
Hearing this, Latif jumped up and downplayed Amir’s assessment, saying, “He needs to play a few more matches to prove himself as a proper batsman.”
Ahmed Shehzad defends Aamir’s opinion on Abhishek
Meanwhile, former Pakistani batsman Ahmed Shehzad intervened and cooled the matter down a bit. Taking Aamir’s side, he has said that Abhishek Sharma may look risky from the bowler’s point of view.
During the same discussion, Shehzad said, “I like Abhishek. Okay? As a bowler, Aamir would think that Abhishek is a slugger. Whenever he comes, I will get him out. He is a risky player. He has a lot of flaws. He is talking about being a bowler. Every person has his own opinion. So, everyone has to respect each other’s opinion.”
Shahzad remembered Virat Kohli’s statement
He also recalled how despite facing heavy criticism in Pakistan, Aamir remained adamant on calling Virat Kohli the best player of this generation. He also urged Latif and others to let Abhishek prove the former fast bowler wrong with his skills and talent and respect his opinion.
Shehzad said, “I have seen Aamir fight with Pakistani players. He says if you are asking me honestly… I will put Virat Kohli above anyone. Same thing happened on this show. There was a lot of criticism. Aamir did that. If Aamir thinks Abhishek is a lazy person… then fine. Let him prove it.”
Also read: After India Legend’s dangerous threats, Tanveer Ahmed made a fatal attack on Harbhajan Singh.
Rashid Latif’s big statement on Abhishek Sharma
But Latif refused to criticize the world number one T20I batsman and praised Abhishek’s fearless style. The former cricketer boldly said that Pakistan desperately needs two such stalwarts in the team.
Latif said in the show, “Bring us two such sloganeers. We need two Abhishek.”
Mohammad Aamir stands firm on his statement regarding Abhishek Sharma.
“He’s just a lazy guy, quite simple. You’re playing on small grounds and flat wickets. You haven’t really been tested yet.” pic.twitter.com/rEfeYsd8hn
– Sherry. (@CallMeSheri1_) 14 February 2026
However, there is uncertainty over Abhishek’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash with Pakistan in Colombo. His participation completely depends on his recovery from stomach worms.
