NEW DELHI: Former wicketkeeper-batter Syed Kirmani has expressed his opinion that experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami should disregard the criticism he has received for not fasting during Ramadan in the semi-final match between India and Australia.
This critique came to the forefront when All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi labelled Shami “a criminal” for his actions during Ramadan. During the semi-final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Shami was observed consuming an energy drink.
Kirmani advocates for players to concentrate on their game rather than succumbing to external pressures and criticisms.
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“They are all playing for the country. There’s no doubt that it’s Ramzan. There are a lot of criticisms. We give our lives for the country, to raise the flag of the country. Whatever people say, they keep saying it. There are a lot of criticisms on everyone, depending on the situation,” Kirmani told ANI.
“Absolutely, absolutely. Nothing, nothing, nothing. Just keep listening from one ear and take it out from the other. If you take criticism, you’ll be under more pressure. Whatever is written, whatever is said, you don’t have to worry about it. You just have to keep yourself under control and play for the country.”

Supporting Shami, his cousin Mumtaz defended him by highlighting that playing for the country is the priority and criticized the backlash as “shameful.”
“He is playing for the country. There are many Pakistani players who have not kept ‘Roza’ and are playing matches, so this is nothing new. It is very shameful that such things are being said about him. We will tell Mohammed Shami not to pay attention to these things and prepare for the match on March 9,” Mumtaz noted.

In the tournament, Shami has been a key player for India, securing eight wickets in four matches with an average of 19.88, and his performance has been instrumental in India’s success, marking him as the second-highest wicket-taker so far.