NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami has been criticised by a Muslim cleric for not observing a fast during India's semi-final match against Australia.

The match took place during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan, which is observed by Muslims as a period of fasting. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi called Shami a "criminal" for skipping the fast, stating that it was a sin and went against religious principles.

In a video statement, Barelvi said, "In Islam, fasting is a duty... If someone deliberately skips the fast, they are sinners. Cricketer Mohammed Shami also didn't observe a fast; he has committed a sin. He is a criminal." His remarks sparked reactions from religious figures, with some expressing discontent over Shami's decision to drink juice during the match.

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, condemned Shami's actions. "One of the compulsory duties is 'roza' (fasting). If any healthy man or woman doesn't observe 'roza', they will be a big criminal...A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami, had water or some other beverage during a match. People were watching him. If he is playing, it means he is healthy. In such a condition, he did not observe 'roza' and even had water... This sends a wrong message among people. By not keeping 'roza', he has committed a crime. He should not do this. He is a criminal. He will have to answer God," he said.

Mohammed Shami's coach, Mohammed Badruddin, defended the cricketer against criticism from Muslim cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, saying that Shami was not at fault and had the nation's support. Emphasising patriotism, he urged clerics to prioritise the country above all, saying, "Desh ke aage kuch nahi (Nothing comes before the nation)."

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also reacted to the controversy, defending Mohammed Shami and stressing that religion should not be linked to sports.

He praised Shami as a dedicated player who has led India to victory multiple times, stating that if Shami felt fasting could even slightly affect his performance, he wouldn't be able to sleep. Pawar added, "He is a hardcore Indian who has made the team win many times. Religion should not be brought up in sports, and if you ask any Muslim today, they will say they are proud of Mohammed Shami."

India defeated Australia by four wickets to enter the final of the Champions Trophy. Australia decided to bat first after winning the toss. Led by Shami, the Indian bowling attack restricted Australia to 264. The ace bowler took three wickets in his quota of 10 overs, giving away just 48 runs.

Notably, this controversy is not the first to emerge during the Champions Trophy. Earlier, Congress national spokesperson Shama Mohammed had criticised Indian captain Rohit Sharma, calling him "too fat for a sportsman" and the "most unimpressive" captain ever following India's game against New Zealand.