Abhishek Sharma (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has ignited fresh controversy at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, launching another scathing attack on India opener Abhishek Sharma while defiantly standing by his explosive prediction that India will not reach the semi-finals.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!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’s technique and India’s chances have only added fuel to an already fierce rivalry.

“When 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?” Amir said on the Haarna Mana Hai show. “Just tell me what to call him if he can’t come into the line and defend the ball.”The left-arm pacer had earlier labelled the young opener a “slogger,” questioning his ability to survive against quality bowling. He also doubled down on his bigger claim — that India will fall short of the semi-finals despite entering the Super 8 stage as defending champions.

Explaining his reasoning, Amir argued that other contenders, especially South Africa and the West Indies, are currently stronger sides.“Looking at how India and South Africa have been playing cricket, I think South Africa are better,” Amir said. “I was just talking from that sense.”Amir also hit back at former Indian cricketers who criticised his remarks, accusing them of hypocrisy and using abusive language against Pakistan.“I have just given my opinion. We have always praised India when they perform well. One should respect one’s opinion,” he said. “If 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… just tell me one time if I ever used bad language against India.”The former pacer said differing views are part of the sport and should not trigger outrage.“Learn 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,” he added.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are placed in a tough Super 8 group alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe and the West Indies.