Indian Fast bowler and one of the senior-most players of the Indian Cricket Team Mohammad Shami was the target of hate crime on social media after India lost their first-ever ICC World Cup match against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Batting first, India only managed 152 runs on the board. Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for their team as he took 3 wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Indian skipper Virat Kohli in 4 overs. Pakistan chased down the target in just 18 overs with no wickets to give. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan totally outplayed Virat Kohli and his men in the second innings of the match getting help from the pitch, and the ground conditions as well.
These are some of the comments on Mohammed Shami’s Instagram account. The hyper-nationalist Indian cricket fans have unleashed worst form of communal abuse on Shami for India’s loss against Pakistan. Not surprised at all because this is what India is famous for. #IndvsPak pic.twitter.com/KCsSzAr5y3
— Saif (@isaifpatel) October 24, 2021
As soon as India was defeated by Pakistan on Sunday, fans took to Instagram and Twitter to pass derogatory statements against Mohammed Shami.
The media trolls came in blaming Mohammad Shami for siding with the Pakistan side as he was a Muslim after he conceived the highest runs in Sunday’s match. Hundreds of messages were left on Shami’s Instagram account saying he was a “traitor” and should be thrown out of the Indian team.
While hate mongers trolled team India and its players, many people and politicians have come in support of the Indian pacer Mohammed Shami including VVS Laxman and Venkatesh Prasad.
355 International wickets. It is India that beats in the heart of anyone representing India. And Mohammad Shami has been an outstanding and yet unsung servant of Indian cricket. More power to him.
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) October 25, 2021
Mohammed Shami has been a stellar performer for India for eight years, playing a significant role in many a victory. He can't be defined by one performance. My best wishes are always with him. I urge fans & followers of the game to support @MdShami11 and the Indian team.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 25, 2021
Former Indian pace bowler Irfan Pathan also showed gratitude towards Mohammed Shami and shared his experience too.
Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about 🇮🇳 of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 25, 2021
When we support #TeamIndia, we support every person who represents Team India. @MdShami11 is a committed, world-class bowler. He had an off day like any other sportsperson can have.
I stand behind Shami & Team India.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 25, 2021
We love you @MdShami11 🇮🇳 #Shami
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 25, 2021
The online attack on Mohammad Shami is shocking and we stand by him. He is a champion and Anyone who wears the India cap has India in their hearts far more than any online mob. With you Shami. Agle match mein dikado jalwa.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 25, 2021
Winning and losing is a part of the game. The personal attack on Shami is uncalled for. I stand with #mohammadshami @MdShami11
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) October 25, 2021
We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya 🇮🇳
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) October 25, 2021
