Mohammed Shami has given a befitting reply to internet trolls who had attempted to create needless controversy following his five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the recent ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Shami, who had sunk into the ground on his knees, claimed that even if he had desired to pray - as was theorised by his critics - there was none who could have prevented him. (Cricket News)
“If I wanted to pray, who could stop me?" Shami said in a TV appearance. "I won’t stop anyone from praying. If I want to pray, I will pray. What’s the problem in this? I will say it with pride that I am a Muslim. I will say it with pride that I am an Indian. What’s the problem in that?
"If I have to ask permission to pray from someone, then why should I be in this country? Have I ever prayed after taking a 5-wicket haul before? I have taken many five-wicket hauls. You tell me where you have to pray, and I will go and pray there."
The Arjuna Award-nominee also presented his reasons for the celebration, dismissing claims that it was a display of his religious affinity, but rather a result of him giving it his best.
“People like this are not on anyone’s side," He added.
"They only want to create a ruckus. I bowled with 200 per cent 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"
Shami was the leading wicket-taker at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and ended the tournament with two five and one seven-wicket hauls.
