Mohammad Shami has 8 wickets in 4 matches in Champions Trophy 2025.
Harbhajan Singh, a former spinner for India, has defended Mohammed Shami and supported his choice to skip the required fast of Roza during the holy month of Ramadan in Islam.
A Muslim cleric criticized Shami for breaking the fast during the holy month of Ramadan, calling the fast bowler a "criminal and sinner" for doing so. Shami was seen on camera taking energy drinks during the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final between India and Australia in Dubai.
Harbhajan told India Today that while people are free to follow their religion and voice their ideas, they shouldn't force their beliefs on other people. The renowned spinner noted that if Shami hadn't hydrated during the Champions Trophy match, which was played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in hot and muggy circumstances, he might have passed out.
Mohammad Shami bowled all his 10 overs and picked 3 wickets for 48 runs as India won the game by 4 wickets.
"I think I just want to say that this is my personal view-I might be wrong or right. Sports should be treated separately. People who feel religion is playing this role or that role, I think it's fine to kind of do your routine-what you do in your religion.
But people expecting Shami to do this or Rohit Sharma to do this or any XYZ to do this or that during a certain period (is not fair). You might be doing it because you are sitting at home or doing your own routine work. But when you are playing as a sportsman, if you don't keep yourself hydrated, you might collapse,” Harbhajan Singh was quoted by India Today.
"And of course, with the kind of heat they are playing in, I think they need to drink water. They can't go through the game without having a drink or a snack. It's your body after all-you need fuel,” he added.
Shami returned to international cricket after missing more than a year with several injuries. During India's group-stage game against Pakistan in Dubai, the star fast bowler suffered a niggle in his leg but recovered to bowl.
Harbhajan dismissed fears that the fasting controversy would have an impact on Shami's performance in the Champions Trophy final.
"People who are commenting about it, all I can say is it's their personal thing. Shami or others, I don't think they will be worried or bothered about it,” Harbhajan Singh signed off.
India will take on New Zealand in the final in Dubai on Sunday, 9 March.