The 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final match between India and Australia saw the latter setting a target of 265 runs for the former after batting first. A photo of Indian bowler Mohammad Shami has been doing the rounds on the internet, where he is seen consuming an energy drink during the match. With the holy month of Ramadan having begun on March 1, many Muslims around the world are observing fasts, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk. This has sparked a debate on social media, with some users criticizing Shami for not fasting, while others have come out in his support, saying that he has prioritized his country’s interests.
As the cricketing world knows, Mohammad Shami is currently leading India’s bowling attack. During the India-Australia match, he was spotted drinking juice while fielding, indicating that he had not kept the fast. While some users have praised him for putting his country first, others have posted negative comments. One user shared an example of Hashim Amla, who had played an incredible innings while fasting during Ramadan, saying that Shami should learn from Amla’s perseverance and discipline. Another user questioned Shami’s faith, saying that if he’s not fasting, what kind of Muslim is he, and that he should at least respect the month of Ramadan.
The debate has sparked a wider conversation on social media, with some users defending Shami’s decision, saying that footballers play for 90 minutes straight while fasting, and that Shami could have also kept the fast if he had wanted to. Meanwhile, Shami had a great game, taking three crucial wickets, including that of Steve Smith, to help restrict Australia to 265 runs. The Indian team will now look to chase down the target and book their place in the final. As the match unfolds, the conversation around Shami’s decision to not fast will likely continue, with opinions divided on the matter.
Social Media Reactions
Some Twitter users have expressed their thoughts on the matter:
- A user (@iabrarsaleem) tweeted, “Take a cue from Hashim Amla’s remarkable inning, where he played this incredible knock while fasting during Ramadan. In the cricketing world of Mohammad Shami, aspire to emulate Amla’s perseverance, discipline, and faith.” (https://twitter.com/iabrarsaleem/status/1896893371677040657)
- Another user (@abubakarmemer) questioned Shami’s faith, saying, “What kind of Muslim you are Mohammad Shami, if you are not fasting at-least respect Ramdan.” (https://twitter.com/abubakarmemer/status/1896903071156076969)
- A third user (@ADfanatic_) simply stated, “Lagta Hai Ramdan ka Roza Nahi Rakha Shami Bhau Ne #INDvsAUS” (https://twitter.com/ADfanatic_/status/1896883341380751807)
- User (@imShadab_) defended Shami, saying, “Bhai footballer 90 minute straight khelte hai roza rakh kr, shami bhi chahta to rakh sakta tha.” (https://twitter.com/imShadab_/status/1896932343333683596)
The Indian team will look to build on Shami’s good performance and chase down the target to reach the final. The match is expected to be a thrilling one, with both teams giving it their all. As for Shami, he will likely continue to face questions about his decision to not fast, but for now, his focus will be on helping his team win.