Mohammed Shami’s coach bats for speedster after he was called 'criminal'

All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi recently called Team India speedster Mohammed Shami a criminal for not fasting during the ongoing month of Ramazan.

However, Shami’s childhood coach, Badaruddin Siddiqui, has spoken in favour of the speedster. Earlier, Bareilvi had called Shami a criminal. The 34-year-old didn’t fast during the semi-final against Australia in Dubai.

'Country Comes First'

However, according to Siddiqui, Shami didn’t do anything wrong by taking an energy drink during the match.

Must Read: Row over Mohammed Shami's fasting: Muslim clerics split over not observing rozah during Ramzan

"Shami  shouldn’t give importance to these statements. He should focus on the final without thinking about anything else. He has not committed any crime and is performing well for the country. Personal stuff can be taken care of later but the country comes first. I request everyone to support the team," said Siddiqui during a recent interaction.

Moreover, Shami’s cousin, Mumtaz also hit out at Bareilvi for targeting his brother.

Notably, Shami returned to the Indian team after over a year during the T20I series against England following an injury. He also played the ODIs, and the selectors decided to include him in the squad for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai.

Brilliant Form

Notably, Shami is currently in brilliant form in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The veteran speedster started the mega event with a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh. He went wicketless against Pakistan and New Zealand. The right-arm pacer dismissed three batters in the crucial match against Australia.