Mohammed Shami reveals whether BCCI pushes Indian players to play vs Pakistan, the answer will shock you
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Mohammed Shami recently spoke his heart out in an interview as he was asked if it is right for India to play against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Though snubbed from the final squad, Shami has a straightforward reply on the matter.
The Indian team have announced their squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, and it did not have any place for the legendary pacer Mohammed Shami. They will feature against Pakistan in the group stage game on the 14th of September.
India and Pakistan have undergone major turmoil, with the political tensions rising between the two nations. Mohammed Shami, on the other hand, has clearly mentioned that he was available for the Asia Cup selections with no doubts on his fitness.
Mohammed Shami gives a blunt view on playing against Pakistan in the Asia Cup
Other than the selection matters, Mohammed Shami was questioned on another matter, which has also taken the internet by storm. He was asked about his opinion on whether India should play against Pakistan in the continental championship.
"I stay out of controversies. The government and board decide, and we follow," Shami said in reply on News24. When asked if it's different playing against Pakistan in comparison to other teams, or if it's treated like any other game, Shami said it indeed is different.
"Playing Pakistan is different because of the fan craze, but for players, it's about performing," he said. He confirmed that a game against Pakistan is not just a match, it's an emotion for fans and the pride of Indian players.
Shami also clarifies his sledging moments against Pakistan
Mohammed Shami, on being asked if he was disturbed by a possible sledging incident while playing against Pakistan in his long career, which comprised many matches against the neighbouring giants.
"None. I only got upset once in a Test when someone was wasting time. I told them to play their game. That's my aggression," Shami answered.
Shami was a part of the games against Pakistan in every ICC event, which also includes the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Final and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and also played in the ICC Cricket World Cup of 2023, which was held in India.
Mohammed Shami issues an upsetting remark on 'religious shaming'
Though Shami said that he could not recall any such incident of sledging with the Pakistan side, as the veteran pacer referred to the hate he receives on social media. The people target him because he is a Muslim, which is what upsets the Indian cricketer. Shami seemed moved by the religious hate shown towards the speedster.
"Some target me because I'm Muslim, especially after Pakistan matches. I don't care. I'm not a machine; I'll have good and bad days. When I play for my country, I focus on wickets and winning, not social media. Trolling doesn't affect me because I avoid it," Shami said when asked about social media trolling in general.
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India National Cricket Team Mohammed Shami Asia Cup Pakistan National Cricket Team India vs Pakistan BCCI
