Mohammed Shami found support after being branded a 'criminal'
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Mohammed Shami's cousin and coach defended him
- Shami has eight wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy
- India will play New Zealand in the final
Mohammed Shami's cousin and childhood coach jumped to his defense after a major controversy erupted following India's victory over Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final on Tuesday (March 4). Shami played a key role in helping India reach the final of the mega tournament, as he was the pick of the Indian bowlers in the knockout match with a stunning spell of 3-48 in 10 overs, which included Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith, and Nathan Ellis.
A visual of Shami drinking water on the field went viral during the match, leading to a major row as the match is being played during the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, observance typically keeps a fast, which includes not even drinking water during the day.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of All India Muslim Jamaat, slammed Shami for not observing 'Roza' and labeled him as a criminal. He sparked a storm by suggesting that since Shami is fit to play the match, he is healthy to observe a fast.
"One of the compulsory duties is 'Roza' (fasting)...If any healthy man or woman doesn't observe 'Roza', they will be a big criminal...A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami had water or some other beverage during a match. People were watching him. If he is playing, it means he is healthy. In such a condition, he did not observe 'Roza' and even had water...This sends a wrong message among people. By not keeping 'Roza', he has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God," said Maulana Bareilvi to ANI.
However, Shami's cousin, Dr. Mumtaz, was quick to defend him and revealed that many players from the Pakistan cricket team also did not keep a fast during the Champions Trophy.
"He is playing for the country. There are many Pakistani players who have not kept 'Roza' and are playing matches, so this is nothing new. It is very shameful that such things are being said about him. We will tell Mohammed Shami not to pay attention to these things and prepare for the match on March 9," Dr. Mumtaz said to ANI.
Shami's childhood coach, Badaruddin Siddiqui, also came to his defense and backed the legendary Indian pacer and urged Shami to focus on the final and pleaded with people to stand with the Indian team.
"Whatever Shami did was absolutely right, and there is no need to pay attention to these things. He should focus on the final match and forget all these things. He has not committed any crime, he has done all this for the country. Personal things can be done later but the country comes first...I request everyone not to say such things and stand with the entire team," said Siddiqui to ANI.
Shami has been in red-hot form in the tournament with eight wickets in four matches. He took a five-wicket haul in the tournament opener against Bangladesh. The 34-year-old is India's highest wicket-taker in ICC tournament history.
In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, Shami is leading India's pace attack. The Rohit Sharma-led side will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday (March 9).
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