Basit Ali Defends Abhishek Sharma Amid Mohammad Amir's Criticism

In a recent controversy, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali defended Abhishek Sharma against Mohammad Amir's critical remarks during the T20 World Cup. Despite a rocky tournament, Sharma shone in the final, leading India to victory. Ali emphasized that true talent remains constant, regardless of temporary setbacks, and expressed a wish for Pakistan to have players of Sharma's caliber. This article explores the unfolding drama and India's historic win at the T20 World Cup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 18:22 IST

Basit Ali's Strong Response to Amir's Comments

Former cricketer from Pakistan Basit Ali has expressed his discontent with Mohammad Amir's recent remarks aimed at Abhishek Sharma during the T20 World Cup. Amir ignited controversy by labeling Sharma a slogger, questioning his batting technique and suggesting that he lacks defensive skills, implying that he would experience more failures than successes. Despite a challenging tournament where Sharma recorded three ducks in three matches, he did manage to score a fifty against Zimbabwe. His performance peaked when it mattered most, as he delivered a remarkable 52 runs in the final against New Zealand, helping India secure a strong start.

Following India's victory, Ali criticized Amir, emphasizing that while a player may have a few poor innings, their inherent talent remains unchanged. He expressed a desire for Pakistan to have players of Sharma's caliber, stating, "Even if he has scored three ducks, form is temporary, but class is permanent. It’s disheartening to see such a talented player being labeled negatively. I wish we had two or three players like him in our country," Ali remarked during a television appearance on ARY.

India Makes History at T20 World Cup 2026

Amir made several controversial statements throughout the tournament, including a prediction that India would not reach the T20 World Cup semifinals. However, the Indian team rebounded from a slow start to ultimately win the tournament, defeating New Zealand in the final. With this victory, India made history by becoming the first team to defend its T20 World Cup title and the first to win three T20 World Cups. This triumph also marked India's third consecutive ICC title, following their wins in the T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.