Dubai, Oct 25: Former and current India stars such as Sachin Tendulkar, along with some political bigwigs, extended their support to pacer Mohammad Shami on Monday after he was subjected to a fierce online attack following the national team’s first ever loss to Pakistan in World Cup history.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi joined several past and present Indian cricketers in condemning the targetting of Shami’s religious identity by social media trolls.
India lost their T20 World Cup opener by 10 wickets on Sunday with Shami emerging the most expensive bowler on the night, leaking 43 runs in 3.5 overs.
“When we support #TeamIndia, we support every person who represents Team India. @MdShami11 is a committed, world-class bowler. He had an off day like any other sportsperson can have. I stand behind Shami & Team India,” tweeted the iconic Tendulkar.
“The online attack on Mohammad Shami is shocking and we stand by him. He is a champion and anyone who wears the India cap has India in their hearts far more than any online mob. With you Shami. Agle match mein dikado jalwa,” stated former India opener Sehwag. Former India pacer Irfan Pathan described the attack on Shami as unprecedented. “Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about Flag of India of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami,” he posted.
Shami has been one of India’s best fast bowlers in recent times and has performed well over the last five years.
The trolls on social media linked his ordinary performance on Sunday night to his religion which did not go down well with fellow netizens with several of them offering support to the 31-year-old.
The other Indian players were also trolled online after the crushing loss on Sunday. Former India spinner Harbhajan and current leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who was controversially not included in the World Cup squad, also came to Shami’s support.
“We love you @MdShami11,” wrote Harbhajan on Twitter. Chahal added: “We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya.” The player also got backing from political bigwigs like Gandhi, Owaisi and Abdullah.
“Mohammad #Shami we are all with you. These people are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love. Forgive them,” tweeted Gandhi, who is a Lok Sabha MP from Kerala’s Wayanad. (PTI)
