Photo: AFP

New Delhi: Just before crucial encounter against India in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik has landed himself in a controversy while answering a fan question on social media site – Twitter.

Malik was answering question on ICC’s official Twitter handle. On being asked who he thought was the best Indian bowler, Malik replied, “The best bowler in the Indian team is Mohammed Shami. Not because he's a Muslim guy. I have seen his bowling, played against him also. For me, I find him tough. That's why."

The 35-year-old came under attack from twitterrati’s for his comment “not because he is a muslim guy”. The main criticism he receiving seems to be the fact that he referred Shami’s religion.

The interaction was a part of build up for the ICC Champions Trophy but it ended on sore note for the Pakistani cricketer.

Pakistan will lock horns against arch-rivals India in a high-voltage encounter on June 4.