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India's premier seamer Mohammed Shami had a sensational run in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 where he ended up taking the most wickets. Shami tormented bowlers as he took 24 wickets from just seven appearances. He picked up three five-wicket haul in the tournament including a record-breaking seven-fer in the semifinal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While celebrating in the final, a tired Shami went down on his knees as teammates gathered around him. Many Pakistan media outlets said that Shami was about to do ‘Sajda’ but refrained from doing it. The photo made rounds on social media as well.
When asked about the incident at Agenda Aaj Tak 2023, Shami replied, “If I want to do Sajda then who will stop me? I won’t stop anyone from other religion nor will they stop me. If I want to do it, I will do it. What’s the problem in it? I’m a Muslim, I proudly say that I’m a Muslim and an Indian. So what’s the problem in it? If I had any problem then I wouldn’t be living in India. If I had to take permission to do Sajda from someone then why will I live here.”
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Shami explained that he was on his knees because he was giving his all in the knockout match and needed a breather.
“Even I saw it on Instagram and Twitter that people were claiming that I wanted to do Sajda but didn’t do it. Have I ever done it before? I’ve taken many fifers in my life. If you want me to do it tell me where should I do it. I will do it on every platform in India. Nobody can question me about it. I was bowling that spell out of my limit with 200% effort. Hence, I knelt in celebration out of exhaustion. Somebody pulled my hair from behind and I bowed down a bit and people made memes out of it,” the 33-year-old added.
Shami is expected to receive the Arjuna Award this year for his contribution in India's World Cup campaign. Shami was unaware that his name has been recommended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as there is no official confirmation yet.
“I don't know anything about that. If I get that then it will be great. Arjuna Award is a dream for people. They work their whole lives for the award. If I get it, it will be my great honour for me,” he said.
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