Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami has faced criticism from a Muslim cleric for not observing a fast during India’s semi-final match against Australia on Tuesday. The match took place during the holy month of Ramzan, a time when Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi called Shami a “criminal” for not keeping the fast, stating that skipping it was a sin. “In Islam, fasting is a duty. If someone deliberately skips the fast, they are a sinner. Cricketer Mohammed Shami also didn’t observe a fast. He has committed a sin. He is a criminal,” Bareilvi said in a video statement. His remarks led to mixed reactions, with some supporting him and others defending Shami.
Many religious figures responded to this criticism, with some expressing discontent over Shami drinking juice during the match. However, Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli, a scholar and executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, defended Shami, explaining that Islam allows travelers to skip fasting. “Allah has clearly mentioned in the Quran that if a person is on a journey or unwell, they have the option not to observe Roza. In the case of Mohammed Shami, he is on a tour, so he has the option not to observe Roza. Nobody has the right to question him,” he stated.
Shami’s family and coach defend him
Shami’s family also stood by him, asking him to ignore the controversy and focus on the upcoming Champions Trophy final. His cousin, Mumtaz, condemned the remarks made against him. “It is shameful that these things are happening. 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,” he said.
Shami’s coach, Mohammed Badruddin, also supported him, stating that he had done nothing wrong. He urged religious leaders to put the country first and not drag sports into religious debates. “Desh ke aage kuch nahin (Nothing comes before the nation),” he emphasized.
Political reactions and Shami’s performance
Several political figures also spoke on the matter. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar reacted to the controversy, stressing that religion and sports should remain separate. He praised Shami as a dedicated player who has led India to victory on several occasions. “He is a hardcore Indian who has made the team win many times. Religion should not be brought into sports, and if you ask any Muslim today, they will say they are proud of Mohammed Shami,” Pawar said.
Even with the controversy, Shami played a crucial role in India’s semi-final victory. India defeated Australia by four wickets to enter the final of the Champions Trophy. After winning the toss, Australia chose to bat first. Shami led the Indian bowling attack, helping to restrict Australia to 264 runs. He took three wickets in his 10-over spell, giving away just 48 runs.
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