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.
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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.
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
Sanghis have started abusing Md. Shami after the loss.
After the racist attacks against few English players at Euro, the team came in support of them.
India’s hockey skipper Rani Rampal criticized casteist remarks against a teammate.
Your move, @imVkohli and everyone else. pic.twitter.com/38Rx1BaA52
— Abhishek Baxi (@baxiabhishek) October 24, 2021
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”.
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
Since then, a number of cricketers, including his former teammates, have condemned the attack.
We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya 🇮🇳
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) October 25, 2021
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
We love you @MdShami11 🇮🇳 #Shami
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 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
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
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 India players and prominent journalists have also stood by Shami.
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
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
‘If you go after any one of us, all eleven of us will come back at you,’ KL Rahul had famously said after the Lord’s win where Eng had sledged Bumrah and Shami.
This team also fought some Aussie watchers attacking Siraj. Hoping they’d stand up for Shami again today.
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) October 25, 2021
Jo log Mohammad Shami ke baare mein ghatiya baaten kar rahe hain, unse meri ek hi vinanti hai. Aap cricket na dekhen. Aur aapki kami mehsoos bhi nahi hogi. #Shami #355WicketsforIndia.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 25, 2021
Mohammad Shami was India’s best bowler the last time they played Pakistan. https://t.co/2qRZczNHkS pic.twitter.com/ym3CjKLLKd
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) October 24, 2021
