Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar has come out in support of Team India's new-ball bowler Mohammed Shami, who faced criticism from a Muslim cleric named Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi for not fasting during Ramadan. Taking to X, the veteran lyricist advised Shami not to care about 'bigoted reactionary idiots', given he is making the country proud.
With the big semi-final fixture against Australia taking place during the holy month of Ramadan and Shami spotted having liquids due to heat, he faced backlash from Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi for not adhering to religious practices. He went to the extent of calling the 34-year-old 'a criminal' for the same. His statement read:
"In Islam, fasting is a duty. If someone deliberately skips the fast, they are a sinner. Cricketer Mohammed Shami also didn't observe a fast. He has committed a sin. He is a criminal."
However, Akhtar has hit back on those remarks and 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 . 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."
Mohammed Shami started Champions Trophy 2025 with a fifer
The Bengal pacer started the tournament with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh but returned wicketless against Pakistan. However, he was the pick of the bowlers against Australia, registering figures of 10-0-48-3.
Team India will begin the quest for their second Champions Trophy title against New Zealand when they face them in the final on March 9, Sunday.
