Mohammed Shami responds to critics from Pakistan who wanted World Cup to become a religious event

Mohammed Shami had a terrific ODI World Cup campaign as he ended up being the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 edition of the World Cup. He did something unimaginable in the World Cup as he took 24 wickets in just seven games at an average of 10.71. He took three five-wicket hauls in the World Cup out of which two came against New Zealand in the league stage match and the semi-finals.

One of the fifers for Mohammed Shami came against Sri Lanka in the round-robin stage when the Sri Lankan team was bowled out for just 55 while chasing a mammoth total of 358. Mohammed Shami in a recent video on his YouTube channel talked about the social media posts after India’s win against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede in the World Cup. The controversy peddlers suggested that Shami performed Sajdah (Muslim Prayer offering) on the field after completing his fifer.

However, Mohammed Shami talked about how the incident unfolded and sent a blunt message to all the controversy mongers who tarnished his fifer moment. He said, “There were people who were saying that I wanted to do Sajdah, but didn’t. Some people called out the country, others my caste. Jinke dimaag mai jo keeda tha wo bola (Whatever filth they had to mutter, they did). Rather than appreciating my bowling, people highlighted that controversy,”

“I was bowling a fifth over in a row, I think and was bowling with an effort beyond my ability. I was tired. The ball was beating the edge so often, so when I finally got that fifth wicket, I went down on my knees. Someone pushed me, so I moved forward a bit. That photo was widely circulated across social media. People thought I wanted to do Sajdah but didn’t. I’ve got only one advice for them, please stop such a nuisance,” explained Mohammed Shami.

Watch- Mohammed Shami’s Celebration Which Started The Controversy

 

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Mohammed Shami also said that he is not scared of anyone and takes pride in being a Muslim and an Indian. He also said that for him his country always comes first. He gave a befitting reply to everyone who was sparking a controversy after Shami’s celebration after taking his fifer against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“First of all, mai kisise nhi darta iss cheez se (I’m not afraid of anyone when it comes to this),” Shami said. “I’m a Muslim, and I’ve said this before, I’m proud of being one. And I’m a proud Indian too. For me, the country comes first. If these things bother someone, I don’t care. I live happily, and I represent my country, nothing matters more to me.”

“As far as the controversies are concerned, those who only live to play these games on social media, I don’t care about them. As far as Sajdah is concerned, if I wanted to do it, I would have. It shouldn’t concern anyone else.”

Mohammed Shami is currently nursing an ankle injury which has kept him out of action since after the World Cup. He is expected to return during the IPL 2024 where he will be representing the Gujarat Titans. He was the purple cap holder in the IPL and also the highest wicket-taker in the World Cup. The year 2023 was brilliant for Mohammed Shami and now everyone is expecting him to return with his wonderful deliveries.