NEW DELHI: Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has extended his support to Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, who recently found himself at the center of controversy after Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, the President of All India Muslim Jamaat, labeled him "a criminal" for not observing 'Roza' during Ramzan.
Akhtar urged Shami to disregard the remarks made by those criticising him for drinking water during a hot afternoon on the cricket field in Dubai.
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The controversy erupted after the Indian pacer was seen consuming an energy drink during a match between India and Australia at the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Tuesday.
Taking to Twitter, Akhtar wrote: "Shami saheb, don't give a damn to those reactionary bigoted idiots who have any problem with your drinking water in a burning afternoon at a cricket field in Dubai. It is none of their business. You are one of the great Indian team that is making us all proud. My best wishes to you and our whole team."
The issue gained further traction after Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi criticised Shami for not fasting and called him "a criminal" in the eyes of Shariat.
"By not keeping 'Roza' he (Mohammed Shami) has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God," he said.
"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," Maulana Bareilvi added.
"People were watching him. If he is playing, it means he is healthy. In such a condition, he did not observe 'Roza' and even had water... This sends a wrong message among people," he further stated.
Meanwhile, Shami delivered a match-winning performance for India, taking 3/48 in 10 overs during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal match against Australia..
His stellar form has propelled him to the second spot on the list of highest wicket-takers in the tournament, with eight wickets in four matches at an average of 19.88.
