NEW DELHI: Former wicketkeeper-batter Syed Kirmani has voiced his support for Mohammed Shami, urging the experienced fast bowler to overlook the barrage of criticism he has faced for not fasting during Ramadan, particularly during the semi-final match against Australia. The backlash intensified when Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, publicly referred to Shami as 'a criminal' for opting to drink energy drinks on the field during the match.
Kirmani argues for players to prioritize their performance and ignore external pressures and criticisms. "They are all playing for the country. There's no doubt it's Ramzan. There are a lot of criticisms. We give our lives for the country, to raise the flag of the country. Whatever people say, they keep saying it. There are many criticisms on everyone, depending on the situation," Kirmani told ANI.
He added, "Absolutely, absolutely. Nothing, nothing, nothing. Just keep listening from one ear and take it out from the other. If you take criticism, you'll be under more pressure. Whatever is written, whatever is said, you don't have to worry about it. You just have to keep yourself under control and play for the country." Kirmani's perspective highlights the tension between cultural expectations and individual circumstances.
Support for Shami has also come from family, with his cousin Mumtaz stepping up to defend him against the hostile comments directed at the cricketer. “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 for such things to be said about him,” Mumtaz stated. He advised Shami to focus on preparing for his upcoming match on March 9, 2025, rather than dwelling on the negative commentary surrounding him.
Shami has proven to be instrumental for the Indian team throughout the tournament, amassing eight wickets over four matches at an impressive average of 19.88, placing him as the second-highest wicket-taker so far.
ComplicATING matters, misinformation surrounding Shami has also circulated on social media. A viral video claims to show the bowler apologizing for breaking his fast, stating he felt forced to do so lest his career be jeopardized. India TV, conducted fact-checking on the matter, confirmed the video was edited and misleading.
Shami faced significant backlash from the cleric after he was spotted drinking during the match, prompting the erroneous viral video. This edited footage supposedly features Shami saying, "Yes, I broke roza. Muslim brothers and sisters, please do not misunderstand me. I did not do it on purpose. I was forced to break roza, otherwise, they would have destroyed my career. I apologize to my Muslim brothers and sisters again." Yet, upon investigation, it was revealed Shami did not issue any such statement nor did he confirm breaking his fast willingly.
The original video, posted by Shami on his Instagram account on April 11, 2024, wished fans Happy Eid and did not address the controversy surrounding his fasting.
Given the combination of high stakes within competitive sports and religious obligations, the focus on Shami brings forth broader discussions on how athletes navigate their commitments both to their faith and their national duties. With social media often amplifying negativity, the pressure on public figures like Shami intensifies, prompting defenders like Kirmani to advocate for prioritizing athletic responsibility over societal scrutiny.
Though there is room for cultural practices within sports, this situation reveals the difficulty of balancing personal faith with public expectations. It seems with each cricket match not only skills but also personal beliefs are put to the test on worldwide platforms.
Looking forward, it will be interesting to see how Shami navigates the rest of the tournament as he prepares to contribute to his team's success and perhaps rebuff the unfair criticisms he has faced.