Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammed Shami wrongly targetted by cleric for not fasting during Ramzan

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Trust the Maulvis to come up with something nonsensical crap in the name of religion and fasting during the Holy month of Ramzan.

On Thursday, a Maulvi from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, who should have been praying and offering Namaz (prayers), chose to come in front of the camera and slammed star fast bowler Mohammed Shami for not having kept 'roza' during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Worse, the Muslim cleric has said all uncharitable things about Shami, whose return to bowling as a medium pacer for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been sensational. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, in difficult conditions in Dubai, for Shami to be on the prowl, bowl flat out and claim wickets has been defining.

He did the star turn against Australia as well in the semi-final and claimed three wickets. No, instead of praising Shami, the cleric from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh has called Shami names. The word used for someone who does not practice Islam is 'kafir.' The only religion which Mohammed Shami should be practicing now is cricket. And he has been doing that diligently.

It is well known, no religion can force a human to fast, be it Hinduism, Islam or even Christianity, where many people fast during the ongoing 41-day Lent period. In India, there is nothing like being forced to fast, so much of freedom is given by the State. There were TV grabs of Shami drinking something from a bottle during the match against Australia.

It was some form of rehydration. Given the muggy conditions in Dubai -- heat and humidity -- to keep rehydrating is but natural. The Maulvi in Bareilly may be fasting for sure but for him to call Mohammedd Shami names is uncalled for. When playing for India, there is no religion angle at all. If any cricketer has to worship, it is the sport. Shami is important for India and he cannot get dehydrated.

Perhaps, the Maulvi from Bareilly is not aware how much Shami has struggled to be playing for India again after the Achilles Heel surgery. On return to first class cricket, Shami had knee swelling as well.

Once chosen for the Champions Trophy, Shami is the lead bowler with the new ball. He has been able to move the ball appreciably and do the damage. How does it matter if he is not fasting? It is not as if Shami is flouting any rule deliberately. He is a devout Muslim and everyone knows it as well.

To target Shami at this point of time is wrong. He cannot break down again in Dubai. This was the last bit of cheap publicity needed from a Maulvi before the all-important Champions Trophy final on Sunday. Where was this Maulvi when Shami was injured and out in the wilderness, one could well ask. Each India has the right to chose his faith. For Shami, the first religion is cricket and playing for India. And to win matches for India.