Team India's superstar pacer Mohammed Shami has found himself at the center of controversy during the 2025 Champions Trophy. Apparently Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, publicly criticised Shami for consuming an energy drink during the Champions Trophy semifinal match against Australia. This criticism stems from the fact that the holy month of Ramadan is currently being observed.
Ramadan, a period of spiritual reflection and fasting for Muslims, requires adherents to abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk. This year, according to the Islamic Hijri calendar, Ramadan commenced on the evening of February 28. Therefore, Shami's consumption of an energy drink during the match has been perceived by some as a violation of the fasting obligations associated with this sacred month.
The Maulana absurdly went on to label Shami 'criminal' for not observing roza during the Ramadan and said one of the compulsory duties of Islam is 'Roza'
"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," Razvi told ANI.
"This sends a wrong message among people. 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," he added.