India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who played a pivotal role in India’s victory over Australia in the semi-final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, has found himself at the center of a controversial debate. The issue? His consumption of an energy drink during the match, despite the fact that it was the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims observe the fast, or roza, from dawn to dusk.
The criticism was levied by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, the president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, who harshly condemned Shami for breaking his fast. The incident occurred when Shami was seen having an energy drink during the high-pressure semi-final match, which had people questioning whether he was observing his religious obligations properly while playing for India.
The Controversy: What Happened During the Match?
The controversy sparked when Mohammed Shami was spotted consuming a beverage during the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final between India and Australia, even as he was playing in the ongoing month of Ramadan. Shami, known for his pace and skill, was instrumental in India’s victory, claiming impressive figures of 3/48 in 10 overs, which contributed significantly to India’s progress in the tournament.
Shami’s brilliant performance on the field, especially after returning from a long injury break, was overshadowed by his actions off the field. Razvi, a prominent Muslim cleric, immediately seized the opportunity to express his concerns, stating that Shami had failed to observe the religious practice of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. He further added that it was a “great sin” to break the fast, especially for someone in good health like Shami, who was performing at his best during the match.
Maulana Razvi’s Strong Criticism
Razvi didn’t mince words when criticizing the cricketer. In a statement to ANI, he said, “One of the compulsory duties of Islam is ‘Roza’ (fasting). If any healthy man or woman doesn’t observe ‘Roza’, then they will have committed a great sin. A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami, had water or some other beverage during a match. 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. The entire world saw him doing this.”
The All India Muslim Jamaat leader emphasized that Shami’s actions had sent the wrong message to the public, particularly to the millions of Muslims who look up to him as a role model. “By not observing ‘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,” Razvi stated.
Shami’s Stellar Performance Amidst the Controversy
Despite the controversy surrounding his fasting practices, Mohammed Shami’s performance in the ongoing tournament has been impressive. In the 2025 Champions Trophy, he has taken a total of eight wickets, making him one of the most prolific bowlers of the tournament. His efforts were crucial in India’s win over Australia in the semi-final, where he returned exceptional figures of 3/48 in 10 overs. Shami has been an instrumental part of the Indian bowling attack, especially following his return to international cricket after being sidelined for an extended period due to injury. He had not played any international matches between November 2023 and January 2025.
In an interview after the match, Shami expressed his thoughts on the game and his approach to bowling. “I am doing my best. The captain always wants wickets, but as a bowler, it’s my responsibility to hit the right areas. We have enough experience in our team, and the results speak for themselves,” Shami said. His insights into the game were widely appreciated by fans and pundits alike.
The Dilemma of Observing Roza During International Duty
The debate over observing roza while being on international duty is not new. For Muslim cricketers, balancing religious obligations with the rigorous demands of international cricket can be challenging. The issue of fasting during Ramadan has often been discussed in the context of players competing in high-stress international tournaments. Shami’s situation raises important questions about how athletes can uphold their religious practices without compromising their professional duties.
The dilemma is particularly challenging for players like Shami, who have high expectations from both their fans and the cricketing community. In this instance, the criticism he faces highlights the constant scrutiny athletes are under, not only for their performances but also for their personal choices.
Shami’s Commitment to Cricket and Religion
Shami’s actions have sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of religion, sports, and public life. While some argue that his decision to break his fast during the Champions Trophy match was necessary for his physical performance, others believe it undermines the importance of religious observance. In Muslim-majority countries, athletes who are seen as public figures are often expected to uphold both their professional standards and their religious practices, which can create internal conflicts.
Shami’s commitment to cricket has always been evident, as shown by his successful comeback after a long injury layoff. However, how he manages his religious duties while representing his country remains a point of contention for some.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act Between Duty and Faith
The criticism of Mohammed Shami for breaking his fast during the Champions Trophy match underscores the tension that exists between faith and professional responsibility. While Shami’s stellar performance on the field continues to inspire cricket fans worldwide, his personal choices and religious observances will likely continue to be debated.
At the heart of the controversy lies the broader question of how athletes navigate the challenges of maintaining their religious practices while performing at the highest level of their profession. For now, Shami’s role in India’s Champions Trophy campaign remains pivotal, but how he handles the fallout from this controversy will be closely watched by both his supporters and critics.
As for Maulana Razvi’s comments, it will be up to Shami to address the issue in his own way, whether through a public statement or simply continuing to focus on his career. Whatever the outcome, one thing remains certain: Shami’s place in Indian cricket is firmly established, and his story continues to inspire millions across the globe.