Indian
fast bowler Mohammed Shami has strongly criticized online trolls for spreading
unfounded allegations that he refrained from performing 'Sajda' (Islamic
prostration) after taking a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the ICC Men's
Cricket World Cup.
Shami emerged as a standout performer for India in the home 50-over tournament,
finishing as the highest wicket-taker despite being initially excluded from the
playing XI for the first four matches.
Securing three notable five-wicket hauls against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and a crucial
one against New Zealand in the thrilling first semi-final, Shami faced
controversy during the Sri Lanka match. Social media users stirred a debate
around Shami's celebration, suggesting he had intentionally avoided a prayer on
the field to avoid backlash or misinterpretation.
In a video that went viral, Shami was observed kneeling and touching the ground with both
hands after dismissing Sri Lanka's Kasun Rajitha to complete his five-wicket
haul. Responding to the baseless allegations, Shami emphasized his pride in
being both Indian and Muslim, asserting that no one would prevent him from
praying if that was his intention during the match.
"If I want to do Sajda, then who will stop me? I won’t stop anyone from another
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,” Shami clarified on Agenda Aaj Tak.
Shami further explained that his gesture of kneeling and touching the ground during
the Sri Lanka match was a result of the intense effort he put into the game. He
bowled with immense intensity, giving his all at 200 per cent effort, and
clarified that it was an expression of exhaustion from the tremendous effort during
the match.
"People like this are not on anyone's side. They only want to create a ruckus. I bowled
with 200 percent intensity in that game against Sri Lanka. Wickets were falling
in quick succession, and after taking 3 wickets, I thought I had to take a
5-wicket haul today. I was tired of not getting a wicket despite beating the
edge of the batter so many times. I was bowling at full tilt. So when I got my
5th wicket, I sank to the ground and kneeled. People gave a different meaning
to it. I think people who are misinterpreting these things don't have any other
work," he added.
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