In a Pakistani news channel, one of the analysts claimed that India rested Shami for Sri Lanka match on the ruling party BJP’s order as he doesn’t want a Muslim to break records in World Cup.
Shami has taken 14 wickets (including a hat-trick) in 4 games he has played for India in this World Cup. Shami is the second highest wicket-taker for India despite playing four games less.
VIDEO: India rested Shami yesterday against Sri Lanka on Modi’s order as he doesn’t want Muslims to play for team and break records – Pakistan’s cricket analysts pic.twitter.com/BVv2bLwpUD
— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) July 7, 2019
One of the analysts could be heard saying, since Shami has taken 12-13 wickets in the tournament, why was he suddenly made to rest? Especially since he was moving towards a record. He may have reached top two or three. “I can’t understand. They seem to be under pressure to make Shami rest since they brought him here but don’t want him to play,” says one analyst. Another analyst could be heard saying, “I think America made him sit.” The first analyst then chimes in, “I think it is the BJP agenda. That do not let Muslims play. I wouldn’t be surprised. This is the thing in ‘Breaking India’.”
This is not the first time Pakistani analyst or player brought religion in sports. Earlier in the tournament after the fights between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Imad Wasim said that both Afghanistani and Pakistani fans should not fight as they are Muslim brothers.
Imad Wasim “we are Muslim brothers, we shouldn’t be fighting. I request fans not to misbehave” #PAKvAFG pic.twitter.com/jg0dOlgEiF
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) June 29, 2019
Shoaib Malik has also been brought religion a few times while playing cricket. In 2017 during the Champions Trophy, in answer to a fan’s question who is the best Indian bowler, Shoaib said “The best bowler in the Indian team is Mohammed Shami. Not because he’s a Muslim guy. I’ve seen his bowling, played against him also. For me, I find him tough. That’s why.”
.@Baquerali2 #AskShoaib pic.twitter.com/mQdF1Zp6jH
— ICC (@ICC) May 26, 2017
In 2007, as the Pakistani captain after losing the final of World T20 to India, Shoaib Malik said: “I want to thank everyone back home in Pakistan and Muslims all over the world. Thank you very much, and I’m sorry that we didn’t win, but we did give our 100 percent.”
