‘What Shami Did Was Right…Shameful To Attack Him’: IND Pacer’s Cousin, Childhood Coach Amid Fasting Controversy

Last Updated:March 06, 2025, 17:56 IST

Most practising Muslims fast through the day, but the visuals suggested that Shami skipped the fast to stay in the game for his country, which didn’t go down well with some people.

Mohammed Shami was ridiculed and insulted for allegedly breaking his fast during the Champions Trophy semi-final (X)

There should be no shaming of Indian pacer Mohammed Shami for his actions prioritizing his country and his duty, whilst still abiding by the very beliefs he lives by, stated the pacer’s cousin and childhood coach, amid the controversy that has left many puzzled.

Shami was brutally trolled on social media after visuals of him sipping on an energy drink during the Champions Trophy semifinal clash against Australia went viral at a time when Muslims worldwide are fasting for Ramzan.

Most practising Muslims fast through the day, but the visuals suggested that Shami skipped the fast to stay in the game for his country, which didn’t go down well with some people.

But, despite all the backlash, Shami’s family and childhood coach came to his aid, defending the pacer’s actions as crucial for his duties to his nation, stating that he shouldn’t be ostracized for the same.

“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,” Mumtaz, Shami’s cousin told ANI.

“I think those who are saying anything have no understanding of Islam. This child is playing for the country. He is not playing any local matches… If he is playing for the country, then what is the problem?” Shami’s childhood coach, Badruddin Siddiqui, asked while speaking to PTI.

In the match against Australia, Shami played a crucial role, picking up three wickets- that of Cooper Connolly, a set Steve Smith, and Nathan Ellis.

In the absence of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Shami has led the pace attack by example, scalping 8 wickets so far in the tournament, the second-highest in the 2025 Champions Trophy, and will be pivotal against New Zealand in the final on March 9.