“I Still Believe India Aren’t Favorites”: Mohammad Amir Stirs Controversy After Samson’s Eden Epic

Despite India’s triumphant qualification for the T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has ignited a firestorm by claiming that a “controversial” umpiring decision saved the Men in Blue from being knocked out by the West Indies.

In a heated segment on the Pakistani talk show Haarna Mana Hai, Amir argued that the dismissal of Shimron Hetmyer was the turning point that prevented an Indian collapse at Eden Gardens on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The Hetmyer Controversy: “Egg on Face” or Legitimate Claim?

The incident occurred in the 12th over when Jasprit Bumrah—brought on late after Hetmyer had already smashed 27 off 11 balls—found an inside edge that carried to Sanju Samson.

• The Decision: Umpire Chris Gaffaney raised his finger instantly. While UltraEdge showed a spike, Hetmyer and the Windies dugout remained visibly disgruntled.
• Amir’s Take: “I firmly believe Hetmyer was not out. Had he stayed a few more deliveries and the score reached 220–230, India would have been knocked out today,” Amir claimed, despite the DRS confirmation.
• The Rebuttal: Indian fans and analysts have pointed to Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 as the real reason for India’s win, calling it a “Kohli-like epic” that rendered Hetmyer’s cameo irrelevant.

Amir’s “Cricketing Perspective” on India

Refusing to back down from his earlier prediction that India would fail to reach the semis, Amir doubled down on his criticism of the defending champions:

• Misfiring Attack: He noted that outside of Bumrah, every Indian bowler—including Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy—was “smashed” by the Windies.
• Fielding Woes: Amir highlighted three to four dropped catches as a sign that India is “not playing good cricket.”
• The Spin Trap: He warned that while the West Indies struggled against spin, India’s upcoming semifinal opponents (England) play it far better.

Semi-Final Showdown: India vs. England (A Hat-Trick of Meetings)

India has now set up a blockbuster semi-final clash against England on Thursday, March 5, 2026. This marks the third consecutive T20 World Cup where these two giants will meet in the semi-finals.

Tournament Progress: March 2, 2026

• Semi-Final 1: South Africa vs. New Zealand (March 4, Kolkata).
• Semi-Final 2: India vs. England (March 5, Mumbai).
• The Final: March 8 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Wider Context: Geopolitics & Social Unrest

As the cricket fever peaks, external factors continue to loom over the region:

• Taliban Law Condemnation: Actor Swara Bhasker has strongly condemned a “despicable” new Taliban law allowing domestic violence and the jailing of women.
• Postponed Exams: Due to the US-Israel-Iran war, Indian school board exams (SSLC/Plus Two) in the Gulf region remain postponed, affecting thousands of NRI students.

Tags

Mohammad Amir, Sanju Samson, T20 World Cup 2026, India vs West Indies, Shimron Hetmyer, Jasprit Bumrah, India vs England Semi Final, Eden Gardens, Wankhede Stadium, Pakistan Cricket News, Haarna Mana Hai, West Asia Conflict 2026