Amidst India’s triumphant run in the Champions Trophy 2025, a new controversy has erupted around India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami. During the semi-final clash against Australia, a visual of Shami drinking some kind of liquid circulated on social media. Shami was expected to observe ‘Roza’ or fast during the holy month of Ramzan. However, due to his commitments during the match, the star pacer decided to skip the fasting and focus on his play instead.

Shahabuddin Razvi calls Mohammed Shami a criminal for not observing Roza

After the photograph of him drinking liquid went viral on social media, the President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi has come out and attacked Shami for not observing Roza and called him a criminal in the eyes of God.

“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,” he said during an interview with ANI.

Shami’s remarkable performance in Champions Trophy 2025

Shami has been one of the standout performers with the ball in the Champions Trophy 2025, showcasing his skill and consistency throughout the tournament. In four matches, Shami has bowled 32 overs, claiming 8 wickets at an impressive average of 19.88. His ability to generate pace and movement has troubled the opposition, with Shami’s standout performance coming in the crucial knockout stages, where his precision and wicket-taking ability helped India gain the upper hand. His solid all-round performances, including a crucial 5-wicket haul against Bangladesh, have been instrumental in India’s progress to the final. With a sharp economy rate and his knack for breaking partnerships, Shami has proven to be a key player in India’s bowling arsenal during the tournament.

Also Read: Mohammed Shami stuns Steve Smith with a banger in the Champions Trophy 2025

Here’s how fans reacted:

Trolling Mohammed Shami for not fasting isn’t right.

Dubai’s heat is extreme, and running around makes you thirsty fast.

It’s really tough to fast and play at the same time.

— زماں (@Delhiite_) March 4, 2025

I stand firmly with Mohammed Shami Ji against the attacks by Islamic extremists. Insulting our national athlete is unacceptable.

Shami had a drink for energy after giving his 100% for Team India. He has always put the nation first.

For us, Bharat is above everything—be it… pic.twitter.com/TPUgKA5vU4

— Abhishek Agarwal 🇮🇳 (@AbhishekOfficl) March 6, 2025

Shame on you, Maulana! 🤬

Mohammed Shami is a world-class athlete representing India, and his health & performance come first. Forcing religious obligations on someone and calling them a “criminal” for prioritizing their well-being is pure hypocrisy!

Stop policing personal… pic.twitter.com/krDTv3Qyid

— भँ० अजीत सिंह तोमर (@Kunwar_Ast) March 6, 2025

It’s high time people stop mixing religion with sports. Let athletes live their lives!

Mohammed Shami is a champion, and no extremist sermons will change that. This coordinated attack must stop! #StopTheHate pic.twitter.com/DKI3xZufci

— HimaniSood (@Himani_Sood_) March 5, 2025

“In the eyes of Shariat, Mohammed Shami is a criminal. He had a beverage during the India Vs Australia semifinal match in Champions Trophy. By not keeping ‘Roza’, Shami has committed a crime” ~ Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, President of All India Muslim Jamaat.

We stand with Shami. pic.twitter.com/hPuViODQZg

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) March 6, 2025

Today’s Weapon of Mass Distraction: a Muslim cleric looking for 15 seconds of notoriety criticising Mohammed Shami for having an energy drink during match and not observing Roza. Is the mike deliberately taken to stray loudmouth clerics only to grab a headline? Switch the mike…

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 6, 2025

Faith is personal, cricket is national.

Mohammed Shami’s job is to play for India, not to justify his personal choices. If fasting is between a person and God, why bring it into cricket? And if watching cricket during Ramadan is okay, why not playing? 🤔

— IIT Quest (@iitquest) March 6, 2025

Maulana calls Mohammed Shami a criminal for not fasting during Ramadan: https://t.co/4JyGCrUR4E | Technically, you don’t need to fast if you’re travelling. Dubai isn’t in Uttar Pradesh, so I think this qualifies

— Jaideep Prabhu | ג’יידיפ פראבהו (@orsoraggiante) March 6, 2025

It’s a matter between Mohammed Shami & GOD. Why are you interfering between them? In this case, criminal is not Mohammed Shami, but you, the Maulana is the biggest criminal.

— Shining Planet (@shiningplanet88) March 6, 2025

“Mohammed Shami is a criminal because he did not observe Ramzan fast during the India-Australia cricket match.”
~ President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi.
Such scum are the leaders of the community.pic.twitter.com/b3TKQciKCQ

— Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) March 6, 2025

Also Read: Meet the mystery girl who grabbed eyeballs during India vs Australia clash at Champions Trophy 2025

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