“I Might Be Wrong”: Harbhajan Singh Weighs in on Mohammed Shami’s Roza Controversy

Former cricketer defends Shami, says sports and religion should not be mixed, hydration is crucial for athletes.

March 7, 2025: “I Might Be Wrong”: Harbhajan Singh Weighs in on Mohammed Shami’s Roza Controversy

Former India spinner defends Shami, urges people not to mix religion with sports.

New Delhi: The controversy surrounding Mohammed Shami consuming an energy drink during India’s semi-final clash against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked widespread debate. All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi criticized Shami for not observing ‘Roza’ (fasting) during Ramzan, even calling him a “criminal” in the eyes of Shariat.

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However, former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has stepped in to defend Shami, stating that sports and religion should not be mixed.

Harbhajan Singh’s Take on the Controversy

Speaking to India Today, Harbhajan shared his thoughts on the backlash against Shami.

“I just want to say that this is my personal view—I might be wrong or right. Sports should be treated separately. Expecting Shami, Rohit Sharma, or any XYZ to do this or that during a certain period is not fair,” he stated.

He further stressed that athletes need to stay hydrated to perform at their best, especially in extreme weather conditions.

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“You might be fasting while sitting at home or doing routine work. But when you’re playing as a sportsperson, if you don’t keep yourself hydrated, you might collapse,” Harbhajan explained.

“With the kind of heat they are playing in, they need to drink water. They can’t go through the game without having a drink or a snack. The body needs fuel.”

He also dismissed the criticism, stating that Shami and other players would not be affected by the controversy.

“People who are commenting about it, all I can say is it’s their personal opinion. Shami or others, I don’t think they will be worried or bothered about it.”

Shami’s Coach and Others Defend Him

Shami’s childhood coach, Badaruddin Siddiqui, also backed the Indian pacer, urging him to stay focused on the final and ignore unnecessary criticism.

“Whatever Shami did was right. He has done this for the country. Personal things can be done later, but the country comes first. I request everyone to support the team instead of creating unnecessary controversy,” Siddiqui told ANI.

Religious Leader Labels Shami a “Criminal”

Earlier, Maulana Bareilvi had sparked outrage by calling Shami a criminal under Shariat law for not fasting.

“By not keeping ‘Roza,’ he has committed a crime. If any healthy man or woman does not observe Roza, they will be a big criminal. People saw Shami drinking water during a match—this sends a wrong message,” the cleric said.

The Bigger Debate: Sports vs. Religion

This controversy has reignited debates about the balance between religious obligations and professional sports. Many former athletes and experts argue that an athlete’s health and performance must take priority during high-stakes tournaments.

As India prepares for the Champions Trophy final, Shami remains focused on his game, while opinions on the Roza controversy continue to divide public opinion.

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