Dubai: Veteran poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar has extended his support to Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, who faced criticism from Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, the President of All India Muslim Jamaat, for not observing Roza during Ramzan.
The controversy arose after Shami was seen drinking an energy drink during a scorching afternoon in Dubai while playing against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Akhtar’s Response
Taking to Twitter, Javed Akhtar dismissed the backlash, urging Shami to ignore the remarks.
“Shami saheb, don’t give a damn to those reactionary bigoted idiots who have any problem with your drinking water in a burning afternoon at a cricket field in Dubai. It is none of their business. You are one of the great Indian team that is making us all proud. My best wishes to you and our whole team,” he wrote.
Cleric’s Remarks
Maulana Bareilvi, on the other hand, labeled Shami “a criminal” in the eyes of Shariat for not fasting.
“By not keeping ‘Roza’ he has committed a crime. If any healthy man or woman doesn’t observe Roza, they will be a big criminal,” he stated, further claiming that Shami drinking water during the match sent a wrong message.
Shami’s Stellar Performance
Despite the controversy, Shami delivered a match-winning performance, taking 3/48 in 10 overs during India’s ICC Champions Trophy semifinal win over Australia.
His remarkable form has propelled him to second place on the highest wicket-takers list, with eight wickets in four matches at an average of 19.88.
