Former India cricketers Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Virender Sehwag, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harbhajan Singh have hit out at irate fans for their Islamophobic campaign against fast bowler Mohammed after the Indian team lost against Pakistan by 10 wickets on Sunday.
“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 Flag of India of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami,” Irfan Pathan tweeted.
Shami was subjected to terrible anti-Muslim abuse on social media after the cricket match. The match finished in the 18th over bowled by Shami as Pakistan chased down a target of 152 runs with relative ease at the Dubai International Stadium.
Yusuf Pathan said one can criticise the cricketers but abusing someone following the defeat shouldn’t be done.
“Criticising is fine but khiladiyon ko abuse nahi karna chahiye. Ye game hai, better team on that day won. Inhi cricketers ne India ko bohot matches jitaye hain pichle kuch saalon mein. Aur haar kar jeetnewale ko hi baazigar kehte hai na! #indiaVsPakistan #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup21,” Yusuf Pathan tweeted.
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag also expressed his support in favour of Mohammed Shami.
Sehwag tweeted, “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.”
India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal also came out in support of Shami following the online abuse.
“We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya,” Chahal tweeted.
“We love you @MdShami11#Shami,” spinner Harbhajan tweeted.
The Indian cricket team also took the knee ahead of the match, a gesture against racism. However, there has been no official comment from the team as of Monday evening about the anti-Muslim violence directed at Shami.
