Lyricist Javed Akhtar has extended his support to Indian Cricketer Mohammed Shami who was recently criticised for not observing ‘Roza’ during Ramzan.
Akhtar urged Shami to regard the remarks made by those criticising him for drinking water during a hot afternoon on the cricket field in Dubai in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Recently Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has been labeled ‘a criminal’ by the president of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahbuddin Razvi Bareilvi.
The controversy erupted after the Indian pacer was seen consuming an energy drink during a match between India and Australia at the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai.
While reacting to the trolls, the Lyricist wrote on X, “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.”
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…
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 7, 2025
“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 (sic).”
Mohammed Shami was seen consuming an energy drink during the match in Dubai, was called a ‘criminal’ by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, the President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, for skipping the fast during Ramzan.
Apart from Javed Akhtar, Shami’s cousin, Dr Mumtaz also defended the cricketer, pointing out that several Pakistani players have also opted not to fast while playing.
Mohammed Shami was instrumental in India’s triumph over Australia in the tournament’s semifinal in Dubai, taking 3 wickets for 48 runs in 10 overs.
He is anticipated to play a crucial role in the summit clash of the Champions Trophy 2025 on March 09 at Dubai International Stadium.
