Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami has found himself at the center of controversy after a Muslim cleric criticized him for not observing a fast during India’s semi-final match against Australia in the Champions Trophy. The match, held during the holy month of Ramzan, saw Shami performing exceptionally well, yet his choice to not fast drew sharp reactions from religious figures.The remarks came from Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, who strongly condemned Shami’s decision to drink juice during the match. In a video statement, Bareilvi called Shami a "criminal" for skipping the religious obligation of fasting, stating that Islam mandates all healthy individuals to observe roza.
 

"In Islam, fasting is a duty. If someone deliberately skips the fast, they are sinners. Cricketer Mohammed Shami also didn't observe a fast. He has committed a sin. He is a criminal," said the cleric. His comments quickly gained traction, sparking a debate on the role of religion in professional sports.Bareilvi further stated that Shami’s act of drinking a beverage while playing sent a "wrong message" to followers of the faith. "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 will have to answer God," he added.
 

Support for Shami from Coach and Politicians

As the controversy unfolded, Shami’s coach, Mohammed Badruddin, came forward to defend the cricketer, arguing that he had done nothing wrong and that national duty should always take precedence."Shami is representing the country in an important match, and his performance is crucial for India's victory. People should understand that nothing comes before the nation. Criticizing him for something like this is unfair," Badruddin stated.NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also weighed in on the issue, strongly opposing the cleric’s comments and emphasizing that religion should not be mixed with sports. Pawar highlighted Shami’s contributions to Indian cricket and his commitment to the team, arguing that no player should be criticized for prioritizing their game."He is a hardcore Indian who has made the team win many times. If he felt fasting could even slightly affect his performance, he wouldn’t be able to sleep. Religion should not be brought up in sports, and if you ask any Muslim today, they will say they are proud of Mohammed Shami," Pawar said.
 

Shami’s Performance in the Semi-Final

Despite the controversy, Shami delivered an outstanding performance against Australia, leading India’s bowling attack. After Australia opted to bat first, Shami took three crucial wickets in his 10-over spell, conceding only 48 runs and playing a vital role in restricting Australia to 264.India went on to secure a four-wicket victory, advancing to the Champions Trophy final. Shami’s stellar bowling helped the team maintain dominance in the tournament, further proving his worth as a key player.
 

Broader Controversies in Cricket

This is not the first time controversy has emerged during the Champions Trophy. Recently, Congress national spokesperson Shama Mohammed made headlines for her criticism of Indian captain Rohit Sharma. She labeled him "too fat for a sportsman" and called him the "most unimpressive" captain following India’s match against New Zealand.With growing debates surrounding fitness, religion, and personal choices in cricket, Shami’s case has once again highlighted the intersection of sports and societal expectations. While religious sentiments play a significant role in many players’ lives, the question remains whether personal religious observances should be scrutinized in the context of professional sports.As India advances in the Champions Trophy, Shami’s focus remains on the game, unfazed by the external controversy. The debate, however, continues, with opinions divided on whether sports figures should be held accountable for personal religious choices or be free to prioritize their performance on the field.