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Congress leader Shama Mohamed has displayed her support for pacer Mohammed Shami, who is facing criticism for skipping roza to serve India against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final played at the Dubai International Stadium on March 4. Ahead of India’s knockout clash against the Aussies, Shama drew ire of Team India fans after criticising veteran Rohit Sharma for his fitness.
During the semi-final clash, Shami was seen drinking an energy drink which caught the attention of muslim clerics who came heavily on the Team India pacer. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of All India Muslim Jamaat, stepped into a controversy as he called Shami “a criminal” for not observing roza during the holy month of Ramzan.
Amidst these developments, Shama had a conversation with ANI and gave her views regarding the ongoing controversy. She defended Shami and remarked, “In Islam, there is a very important thing during Ramzan. When we are travelling, we don't need to fast (Roza), so Mohammed Shami is travelling and he's not at his own place. He's playing a sport where he can be very thirsty. Nobody insists that when you're playing a sport, you have to fast...It is your deeds which are very important.”
India expect Shami to replicate his World Cup 2023 performance in Champions Trophy 2025 final
In the final of the Champions Trophy 2025, to be played in Dubai on March 9, Team India will want their fast-bowling spearhead Mohammed Shami to be at his best and wreak havoc on the Black Caps as he did in the World Cup 2023 semi-final played at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. In India’s convincing 70-run win, the speedster contributed with his 7/57 figures in his 9.5-over spell.
Shami is currently the leading wicket-taker for India in the ongoing marquee event, bagging eight wickets in four matches at an economy of 4.96. Against Australia in the semi-final, he claimed 3/48 figures in his 10-over spell.
