New Delhi: Congress leader Shama Mohamed, who recently came under fire for body shaming Team India skipper Rohit Sharma, has now extended her support to Indian pacer Mohammed Shami after he was criticized by a Muslim cleric for not observing Roza during Ramzan.
The controversy erupted when Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, called Shami a “criminal” for drinking an energy drink during India’s semi-final match against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The cleric argued that as a Muslim, Shami should have been fasting instead.
Reacting to the backlash, Shama Mohamed defended Shami, stating that religion should not be imposed on anyone. “In Islam, it is clearly stated that those who are traveling are exempted from fasting. Shami is representing India, playing a physically demanding sport where hydration is crucial. Islam is a scientific religion, and it is one’s deeds that matter most,” she told news agency.
Shami’s cousin, Mumtaz, also spoke out in his defense, emphasizing that Shami is fulfilling his national duty. “Many Pakistani cricketers also skip Roza while playing matches. It’s unfortunate that he is being targeted. We urge him to focus on his upcoming match on March 9 and ignore such comments,” Mumtaz said.
