Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, who is gearing up for the ICC Championship Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, is in the middle of an unwanted controversy. During the first semifinal match against Australia, Shami had an energy drink that sparked a row. Muslim cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi criticized Shami for not observing Roza (fast) during the holy month of Ramadan. While some people backed him, many people slammed Maulana for a cheap publicity stunt and for bringing religion into sports.

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of All India Muslim Jamaat, said that Shami had sinned by not fasting during the ongoing holy month of Ramazan. He even called Shami a “criminal” and “sinner” according to the Shariat. “Fasting is a compulsory religious duty in Islam, and a healthy individual like Shami has no valid reason to skip it”, the cleric said. However, Shami received massive support from all sections of people. People from different walks of life said that Shami is on national duty and is constantly bowling at speed in the scorching heat. He must keep himself hydrated. Fasting makes him weak and it also affects the game result.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahli came in support of India’s medium pacer. He said, while all Muslims should fast or keep Roza during Ramazan, an exception was allowed for those traveling or the sick. Moreover, Mohammed Sham is on a tour so he has the option not to observe the fast. Nobody has the right to raise a finger at him,” he commented.

Congress leader Shama Mohamed, who recently slammed India captain Rohit Sharma for his fitness, extended her support to pacer Mohammed Shami. “Mohammed Shami is traveling, and he’s not at his own place. He’s playing a sport where he can be very thirsty. Nobody insists that when you’re playing a sport, you have to fast… It is your deeds which are very important. It (Islam) is a very scientific religion,” she said.

Many Muslims, former sportspersons, and common people on X extents their support to Shami. The said that Shami is in Dubai to play cricket for the nation. He’s not there to enjoy a vacation. When someone is performing national duties, it is unfair to drag them into undesirable controversies.

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