'India would've been knocked out': Ex-Pakistan star sparks fresh controversy after India's semifinal entry

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has come under heavy criticism after his bold prediction that “India will not enter the semis” at the T20 World Cup 2026 backfired. India defeated West Indies by five wickets in a crucial Super 8 clash to book their place in the semifinals, proving Amir wrong.

Following India’s qualification, Amir was widely trolled on social media. However, even as his forecast failed to materialise, the former pacer pointed to what he described as a controversial moment that he believes could have changed the outcome of the match.



The incident occurred in the 12th over of the West Indies innings when Shimron Hetmyer attempted to slog Jasprit Bumrah but was caught behind by Sanju Samson. Umpire Chris Gaffaney upheld Bumrah’s appeal immediately. Hetmyer opted for a review, and replays suggested there was contact with the bat, though both the batter and the West Indies dugout appeared unconvinced.

Speaking on the Pakistani show Haarna Mana Hai, Amir said he believed the dismissal was questionable.

"I feel that Hetmyer's dismissal was controversial. I don't think he was out. If he had stayed there a little longer and the score had reached 220–230, India would have been knocked out today," he said.

Amir also acknowledged Sanju Samson’s match-winning knock of 97 off 50 balls, describing it as exceptional, but maintained that India’s overall performance has not been convincing.

"You said they have proved me wrong. Look, where credit is due, it should be given. Sanju Samson played the best innings of his life. I have seen his knocks in the IPL and other matches, but this innings - and that too in a do-or-die game, a knockout - was special," Amir said.

"But if I analyse it purely from a cricketing point of view, India are not playing good cricket overall. I am still telling you - just check their fielding. They dropped three to four catches and fumbled in the field. Apart from Bumrah, every other bowler is getting hit. India are playing on the strength of just one bowler," the former Pakistan fast bowler added.



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