Mohammad Amir praises Virat Kohli amid India-Pakistan handshake controversy

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan rematch in the Asia Cup Super 4s is set to unfold at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. With tensions already high, the fallout from the September 14 group-stage clash continues to dominate headlines. After that game, Indian players, led by Suryakumar Yadav, did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, sparking a controversy that has now escalated into a standoff between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Amid this ongoing drama, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir reignited the debate by posting a picture with Virat Kohli on social media. The photo, taken during the 2016 T20 World Cup when Kohli gifted Amir a bat before the clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, was accompanied by warm words of praise. “One thing is for sure, Virat is the best player and best human being in Indian cricket history. Respect,” Amir wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

While clearly a compliment to Kohli, Amir’s post has been interpreted by many as a subtle jab at the current Indian squad caught in the handshake saga.

The controversy has since intensified, with several heated exchanges between the PCB and ICC. Reports suggest that the PCB, under chairman Mohsin Naqvi, could face sanctions for multiple PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) violations. The dispute began when the PCB formally requested that match referee Andy Pycroft be removed for the rest of the tournament, claiming he failed to uphold the spirit of cricket during the earlier fixture.