‘Big Criminal’: UP Cleric Slams Shami For Not Fasting During Ramzan, Supporters Say He’s ‘Playing For Country’

Last Updated:March 06, 2025, 22:34 IST

During the high-pressure semifinal match between India and Australia at the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, pacer Mohammed Shami was spotted sipping on an energy drink sparking a religious debate

India’s commanding win over Australia in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was overshadowed by controversy, when a picture of Indian pacer Mohammed Shami consuming an energy drink sparked a religious debate.

Clerics from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh slammed Shami for not observing roza (fasting) during the ongoing Ramzan, calling him a “criminal”. There were also many voices of support, including from his family members and other religious leaders, who said he is playing for the country and his professional commitments as an athlete gave him the right to make this choice.

WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY?

During the high-pressure match in Dubai on Wednesday (March 5), following which India advanced to the final, Shami was spotted sipping on an energy drink. While this looked innocuous enough, it attracted criticism from certain religious quarters as it took place during Ramzan, a whole month of fasting and prayer for practising Muslims worldwide.

Some clerics accused him of violating Islamic principles by not observing the mandatory fast. The issue escalated when some of them began making strong remarks about his actions, questioning his adherence to religious teachings.

WHAT DID THE BAREILLY CLERIC SAY?

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, took a hardline stance calling Shami’s act a “crime” under Islamic law. “One of the compulsory duties is roza… If any healthy man or woman does not observe roza, they are a big criminal,” he said.

He further said since the Indian cricketer was physically fit to play, he had no valid reason to skip fasting. His remarks quickly went viral, drawing widespread reactions from the public, religious scholars, and cricketing circles. While some agreed with his stance, others hit out at him for making unnecessary and divisive statements.

WHO DEFENDED SHAMI?

Countering Shahabuddin Razvi’s remarks, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali – a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) – came to Shami’s defence. He said Islam allows exemption for travellers and those engaged in physically demanding tasks.

“In Islam, fasting is obligatory, but it is clearly mentioned in the Quran that if a person is travelling or unwell, they have the option not to observe fasting. Shami was on an international tour, so he had this option. No one has the right to point fingers at him,” he said.

WHAT DID SHAMI’S FAMILY SAY?

As the controversy raged, Shami’s family members also supported him saying “he is playing for the country”. His uncle, Mumtaz, expressed disappointment over the debate and defended his nephew’s choice.

“He is playing for the country. Many Pakistani players also do not fast during matches, so this is nothing new. It is shameful that such accusations are being made against him,” he said.

WHAT DID OTHER RELIGIOUS LEADERS SAY?

Other religious scholars also supported Shami, reinforcing the idea that his professional commitments justified his decision. Delhi’s Moti Masjid imam, Maulana Arshad, dismissed the criticism saying: “Those questioning Shami neither understand Islam nor the Quran. Islam permits a traveller to skip fasting.”

Similarly, Shia cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas condemned the controversy calling it “cheap publicity”. He said: “Religion does not force compulsion where there is necessity. Shami’s personal choice should not be turned into a public issue.”

WHAT DID THE AUTHORITIES SAY?

Beyond the religious debate, the cricketing community also rallied behind Shami. The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) issued a statement supporting him with president Rohit Pawar saying: “Shami respects Islam, but his duty to the nation comes first. If drinking an energy drink helps him perform better in a crucial tournament, there is nothing wrong with it.”

Also backing Shami and calling him a “national icon”, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya mocked the Congress for not standing up for the cricketer. Calling the Grand Old Party the “New Muslim League”, he said their leader Rahul Gandhi is yet to post in support of Shami and pointed out that this silence comes after one of their spokespersons triggered a controversy by targeting skipper Rohit Sharma.

“Waiting for New Muslim League leader Rahul Gandhi to post in support of Mohammad Shami after a Muslim cleric targeted him. The Congress, which targeted Indian captain Rohit Sharma before the crucial semi-final playoff, is conspicuous in their silence over Shami. But we stand with our national icon Shami, regardless. The Congress is filled with hate for Indians. Never forgive them,” he said in post on X.

Shami played a pivotal role in India’s victory over Australia, claiming three wickets for 48 runs. Presently, he is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with eight wickets in four matches. India is gearing up for the Champions Trophy final on March 9.