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T20 World Cup 2021

India cricket legends rally behind Mohammed Shami after ‘shocking’ online abuse due to his faith

by Wisden Staff 3 minute read

The Indian cricketing fraternity has rallied around Mohammad Shami after the latter was at the receiving end of online abuse following India’s T20 World Cup defeat to Pakistan.

Users targeted the India quick due to his religious beliefs following India’s 10-wicket mauling against, with Shami, the lone Muslim in India’s playing XI for the game against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, attacked after a below-par showing. He conceded 43 runs in 3.5 overs to end as the most expensive bowler on the night. Set a target of 152, Pakistan raced away to an easy win, chasing down the total with 10 wickets and 13 balls to spare.

The cricketer’s Instagram account was targeted following the match, with users not only posting rape threats for his sister but also accusing him of match-fixing.

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Virender Sehwag was one of the first cricketers to offer his support to the Uttar Pradesh fast bowler on Monday stating that the attacks were “shocking”.

Since then, a number of cricketers, including his former teammates, have condemned the attack.

Former India players and prominent journalists have also stood by Shami.

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