Javed Akhtar comes in support of Mohammed Shami for breaking fast during the ICC Champions Trophy
Shami was instrumental in India’s victory over Australia in the tournament’s quarterfinal in Dubai by grasping three wickets for 48 runs in ten overs
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Mohammed Shami was criticized by religious leader Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi Ater being caught drinking water and breaking his fast during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has now addressed the ongoing controversy and backed with the cricket player on X (formerly Twitter).
Javed Akhtar posted, “Shami saheb , don’t give a damn to those reactionary bigoted idiots who have any problem with your drinking water in a burning afternoon at a cricket field in Dubai . It is none of their business. You are one of the great Indian team that is making us all proud My best wishes to you and our whole team .”
Mohammed Shami was called “a criminal” by the president of the All India Muslim Jamaat for breaking the fast during Ramadan, claiming that his acts were against religious law. “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 stated in conversation with ANI.
In addition to Shami’s cousin Javed Akhtar, Dr. Mumtaz also spoke out in favor of the cricket player, pointing out that other Pakistani players have also made the decision to refrain from fasting while playing.
In the midst of the escalating debate, Rohit Pawar, the head of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), also stood up for Shami. He said, “He is representing the nation. It is disgraceful that such statements are being made about him. We will advise Shami to ignore these distractions and focus on his match on March 9.”
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