<p><strong>New Delhi:</strong> As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues, Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami has been the subject of criticism for allegedly consuming water during a match despite fasting during Ramadan. Now, veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly defended him.</p> <p>Taking to X (previously Twitter), Javed Akhtar silenced Mohammed Shami's critics, saying, "Shami saheb, don’t give a damn to those reactionary bigoted idiots who have any problem with your drinking water in a burning afternoon at a cricket field in Dubai. It is none of their business."</p> <p>Praising the cricketer, Javed Akhtar added, "You are one of the great Indian team that is making us all proud. My best wishes to you and our whole team."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shami saheb , don’t give a damn to those reactionary bigoted idiots who have any problem with your drinking water in a burning afternoon at a cricket field in Dubai . It is none of their business. You are one of the great Indian team that is making us all proud My best wishes…</p> — Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Javedakhtarjadu/status/1898023304176570821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <p>In addition to Akhtar, Shami's cousin Dr. Mumtaz and chairman of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Rohit Pawar spoke out in favour of the batsman, telling him to ignore outside influences and concentrate on the game at hand.</p> <h3>Controversy Surrounding Mohammed Shami's Actions</h3> <p>During the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mohammed Shami received backlash for consuming water during a game while fasting during Ramadan. The head of the All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, reacted negatively by calling Shami a "criminal" for failing to observe Roza throughout the holy month.</p> <p>Maulana Razvi said ANI, “By not keeping Roza, he has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God.” He said that Shami's behaviour gave those who were watching him play the "wrong impression."</p> <h3>Javed Akhtar’s Battle Against Trolls</h3> <p>Famous for his sharp responses, Javed Akhtar was recently the target of self-trolling accusations after praising Virat Kohli's performance against Australia and allegedly fat-shaming Indian captain Rohit Sharma. In his trademark bluntness, Akhtar shot back: “Shut up, you cockroach… I have great respect for Rohit Sharma and all the great Indian cricketers in Test history.”</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a title="'Shut Up, You Cockroach': Javed Akhtar Hits Back At Troll For Accusing Him Of Fat-Shaming Rohit Sharma" href="https://ift.tt/udFfTZm" target="_self">'Shut Up, You Cockroach': Javed Akhtar Hits Back At Troll For Accusing Him Of Fat-Shaming Rohit Sharma</a></p>
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