The India vs Pakistan tension exploded off the field before the T20 World Cup 2026 showdown in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. Actually, Abhishek Sharma triggered a fiery debate among former Pakistan cricketers, including Mohammad Amir, Rashid Latif, and Ahmed Shehzad.

Mohammad Amir calls Abhishek Sharma a 'Slogger'

It was Mohammad Amir who sparked the controversy by attacking the young Indian opener. He called Abhishek Sharma a “slogger” and questioned his technique. The former Pakistani pacer also claimed that the left-hander has not faced real challenges yet, so he can’t call him a proper batter.

Amir suggested that flat pitches and small grounds made things easy for him. He stressed that the real test would come on swinging tracks in places like South Africa, England, and New Zealand, and when he would make runs in these conditions, he would call him a proper batter by himself.

Is he a proper batsman?

Amir said on Geo News’ ‘Haarna Mana Hai’ show, “He is a slogger. He’s just a slogger, simple as that. The one who doesn't know how to stop the ball in the line. What will I call him? Is he a proper batsman? He hasn't even been tested and proved himself yet.”

Hearing that, Latif jumped in and played down Amir’s assessment by saying, “He will have to play a few more matches to prove himself as a proper batsman.”

Ahmed Shehzad defends Amir’s opinion on Abhishek

Meanwhile, the former Pakistani batter Ahmed Shehzad stepped in and cooled things slightly. He has taken Amir’s side and said that from a bowler’s angle, Abhishek Sharma may look risky.

Shehzad said during the same discussion, “I like Abhishek. Right? As a bowler, Amir must think that Abhishek is a slogger. I will out him whenever he comes. He is a risky player. He has a lot of loopholes. He is talking as a bowler. Every person has his own opinion. So, everybody needs to respect each other’s opinion.”

Shehzad recalls the Virat Kohli Statement

He also recalled how Amir remained firm on calling Virat Kohli the best player of this generation despite facing heavy criticism in Pakistan. He also urged Latif and others to let Abhishek prove the former pacer wrong with his skills and talent and respect his opinion.

Shehzad said, “I have seen that Amir fights with Pakistani players. He says that if you are asking me honestly… I will keep Virat Kohli above anyone. It happened on this show too. There is a lot of criticism. Amir did it. If Amir thinks that Abhishek is a slogger… it’s okay. Let him prove it.”

Rashid Latif’s big statement on Abhishek Sharma

But Latif refused to criticise the world’s number one T20I batter and praised Abhishek’s fearless style. The former cricketer boldly said that Pakistan is in dire need of having two such sloggers in the side.

Latif said on the show, “Get us two such sloggers. We want two Abhisheks.”

Muhammad Amir remains firm on his statement about Abhishek Sharma.

"He’s just a slogger, simple as that. You’re playing on small grounds and flat wickets. You haven’t really been tested yet." pic.twitter.com/rEfeYsd8hn

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) February 14, 2026

However, there is uncertainty over Abhishek’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 clash with Pakistan in Colombo. His participation totally depends on his recovery from the stomach bug.