'Sends A Wrong Message': India Pacer Under Fire For Not Keeping Roza During IND Vs AUS Champions Trophy Semis

Mohammed Shami faced criticism from cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi for drinking water during a Champions Trophy 2025 match in Ramadan, calling it a violation of religious duty.

Team India's star pacer Mohammed Shami faced criticism from Muslim cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi for not keeping 'Roza' during the holy month of Ramadan, calling the act 'criminal'. Shami is currently participating in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he is spearheading India’s bowling attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. 

Notably, Shami's bowling has helped India reach the Champions Trophy 2025 final, where they will face New Zealand in the title clash on March 9 (Sunday). Shami's standout performance in the tournament came against Bangladesh in India's campaign opener where he claimed five wickets. He also bagged three wickets in the semifinal against Australia.

'He Has Committed A Crime': Shahabuddin Razvi On Shami

In an interview with ANI, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of All India Muslim Jamaat, criticised Mohammed Shami for drinking water during a Champions Trophy match in Ramadan, calling it a violation of religious duty and labelling Shami as a 'criminal.'

"...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. 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. By not keeping 'Roza', he has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God," Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi said.

Watch Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi criticising Mohammed Shami here:

'Religion Shouldn't Be Mixed With Sports'

Mohammed Shami faced criticism from cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi for drinking water during a Champions Trophy 2025 match in Ramadan, calling it a violation of religious duty. The cleric labeled Shami a "criminal" in the eyes of Shariat for not keeping Roza.

Contrastingly, NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar defended Mohammed Shami, stating that as a dedicated Indian cricketer, Shami prioritises performance over fasting. He emphasised that religion should not be mixed with sports and that Muslims take pride in Shami’s achievements.