Shama Mohamed joins Mohammed Shami Roza controversy after exiting Rohit Sharma controversy

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has become a topic of discussion after being spotted sipping a hydration drink during the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against Australia. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed, who had trolled Rohit Sharma earlier, defended the fast bowler amid the controversy.

Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker for India during the semifinal against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4. The right-arm pacer registered figures of 3/48, as India dismissed Australia for 264 runs in 49.3 overs. Team India later secured a four-wicket victory to advance to the final match.

Mohammed Shami Called "Criminal" for Not Observing Roza in Ramzan

Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi, the national president of All India Muslim Jamaat, criticized Shami for not observing Roza. He labeled Shami a "criminal" after a video of the cricketer drinking an energy drink during the match went viral on social media.

"One of the compulsory duties is 'Roza' (fasting)...If any healthy man or woman doesn't observe 'Roza', they will be a big criminal...A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami had water or some other beverage during a match," he told ANI.

Shama Mohamed Defends Mohammed Shami Amid Roza Controversy

Shama Mohamed stated that Mohammed Shami should not be criticized for not fasting during a cricket match. She said that in Islam, individuals are exempt from fasting while traveling. Shama pointed out that the fast bowler was away from home.

“In Islam, there is a very important thing during Ramzan. When we are travelling, we don’t need to fast (Roza), so Mohammed Shami is travelling and he’s not at his own place. He’s playing a sport where he can be very thirsty. Nobody insists that when you’re playing a sport, you have to fast…It is your deeds which are very important. It (Islam) is a very scientific religion," Shama Mohamed told news agency ANI.

Shama Mohamed recently faced criticism for a now-deleted tweet targeting Rohit Sharma. She commented on his weight and described him as the "most unimpressive Indian captain." Several former cricketers, including Harbhajan Singh and Sunil Gavaskar, condemned her statement.

No One Has the Right to Point Fingers at Him - Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali

All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali also came in support of Mohammed Shami amid criticism. He stated that Shami had the option not to observe Roza.

“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.

Shami is leading India's pace attack in the Champions Trophy in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He began the tournament with a brilliant five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. However, he went wicketless against Pakistan and New Zealand. He (8) is India's highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

The 34-year-old will be next seen in action when India face New Zealand in the final match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. He will be eager to win his first ICC tournament for India.

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