Kaif trolled for performing 'Surya Namaskar', hits back at critics

New Delhi: Mohammad Kaif has become the latest cricketer to be at the centre of a controversy after posting pictures of himself performing 'surya namaskar' on social media. "Surya Namaskar is a complete workout fr the physical system, a comprehensive exercise form without any need fr equipment.#KaifKeFitnessFunde," Kaif posted on Twitter alongside four pictures which depict him performing the ancient Indian exercise.

Surya Namaskar is a complete workout fr the physical system,a comprehensive exercise form without any need fr equipment.#KaifKeFitnessFunde pic.twitter.com/snJW0SgIXM

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 31, 2016

However, his gesture did not go down well with a section of people who accused him of insulting his religion through his actions.

@MohammadKaif Surya namashkar is adverse our culture society and traditions of islam.why are you posting a controversial statement.

— Md iftakhar kazmi (@KazmiIftakhar) December 31, 2016

@KazmiIftakhar @MohammadKaif T-shirt u r wearing and jeans which can be seen behind u is also unislamic, throw it and wear pathani!!

— ????Ganesh Maurya ???? (@g_maurya) December 31, 2016

@MohammadKaif @ExSecular surya namaskar is 100% prohibited in islam we cant down our before anyone except allah its requirement of iman bro

— Patel Muhammad (@PatelMuhammad7) December 31, 2016

@shukla_jey @MohammadKaif tum bewkoof log sirf kuchh rupay lekar apna jameer bechane wale ho tum india me rahne ke kabil nahi ho

— Tavrej alam (@alam_tavrej) December 31, 2016

Although a lot of Twitter users defended Kaif, the uproar prompted the former India batsman to defend his actions. "In all 4pics, I had Allah in my heart. Cant understand what doing any exercise, Surya Namaskar or Gym has to do with religion. It benefits ALL," Kaif posted later.

In all 4pics,I had Allah in my heart.

Cant understand what doing any exercise, Surya Namaskar or Gym has to do with religion.It benefits ALL pic.twitter.com/exq5pUclvu — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 31, 2016

India pacer Mohammed Shami had also run into a similar controversy a couple of days ago after posting a picture with his wife on social networking site Facebook.