Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has come out in support of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami after he faced backlash for not observing a fast during Ramzan.
The cricketer, who is playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, was seen drinking water during a match between India and Australia in Dubai, drawing criticism from religious leader Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, who labelled his actions as ‘criminal’.
Responding to the controversy, Akhtar took to his handle to tweet, “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.”
The controversy arose after the President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi called Indian-cricketer Mohammed Shami “a criminal” for not observing ‘Roza’ during Ramzan while speaking with ANI.
He said, “By not keeping ‘Roza’ he (Mohammed Shami) has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God.”
“One of the compulsory duties is ‘Roza’ (fasting)…If any healthy man or woman doesn’t observe ‘Roza’, they will be a big criminal. A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami had water or some other beverage during a match.” Maulana Bareilvi said.
“People were watching him. If he is playing, it means he is healthy. In such a condition, he did not observe ‘Roza’ and even had water…This sends a wrong message among people,” he said.
Imam Shahban Bukhari of Jama Masjid also defended the cricketer, saying in a statement to ANI, “…He (Mohammed Shami) should not be trolled. Shariat allows us both ways – if he (Mohammed Shami) is on a journey, he can keep Roza (fast) or not – it depends on the individual. He (Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi) should not have raised this issue…”
Shami’s cousin, Mumtaz, came out in support of his brother and said that he is playing for the country and called the people “shameful” who are blaming the cricketer for not keeping the Roza. “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 told ANI.
Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) chief Rohit Pawar also backed Shami amid the growing debate.
With the final approaching, the cricketer continues to have the unwavering support of his fans and teammates.