Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar comes in support of cricketer Mohammed Shami

Recently, Mohammed Shami faced criticism for not observing the Roza fast during the ongoing Ramzan while playing in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Mohammed Shami recently faced backlash from a Muslim cleric. He was criticised for not observing the Roza fast during ongoing Ramzan while playing in the Champions Trophy 2025. Several social media users also slammed him for not observing the fast and sipping on beverages during matches.

Javed Akhtar comes in support of bowler Mohammed Shami.

Shami’s actions came under scrutiny after he was seen drinking water and not observing a fast while playing in the Champions Trophy 2025. His actions were criticised by religious leader Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi. However, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has now come in support of Shami. He took to X and 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, and that is making us all proud. My best wishes to you and our whole team.”

What is the controversy surrounding Mohammed Shami?

The All India Muslim Jamaat president labelled Mohammed Shami “a criminal” for not fasting during Ramzan and stated his actions were against religious law. He told ANI, “By not keeping ‘Roza,’ he has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God.” Not just Javed Akhtar, Shami’s cousin, Dr. Mumtaz also came out in support of the right-arm fast bowler. Dr. Mumtaz said, “He is representing the nation. It is disgraceful that such statements are being made about him. We will advise Shami to ignore these distractions and focus on his match on March 9.”

Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) chief Rohit Pawar also defended Shami amid the ongoing controversy.