Muhammad Shami, the only Muslim bowler in the Indian Cricket Team, is being dubbed a “traitor.” But, why him? It takes 11 people to lose a cricket match. So why only him? Do you think it’s fair? Read more to see what Twitter has to say!
Muhammad Shami, the Indian Cricket Team’s only Muslim bowler, is being subjected to online abuse ever since his team lost to Pakistan by 10 wickets.
Besides hurling Islamophobic comments at him and accusing him of being a “ghadaar” (traitor), many want him out of the Indian Cricket Team and are asking him to go to Pakistan. His Instagram and Twitter accounts were flooded by innumerable hate comments after the match.
This isn’t the first instance of religious intolerance in India. In recent years, there has been blatant intolerance, especially towards Muslims.
Many, including former Indian cricketers and celebrities, have come out in Shami’s support on Twitter.
Cricketers Take A Stand For Shami
Former Muslim Indian cricketer, Irfan Pathan, took to Twitter to voice his frustration on the ongoing hate campaign against Shami. He said, “Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan!”
He said he is talking about India a few years ago, hinting that today’s India has become aggressively intolerant. “THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP,” he added.
Cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, reminds people that supporting a team means standing behind each player that represents that team. “When we support #TeamIndia, we support every person who represents Team India,” he said.
“@MdShami11 is a committed, world-class bowler. He had an off day like any other sportsperson can have. I stand behind Shami & Team India,” he added.
Former cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, also came out in Shami’s support.
Our very own man of the match in Pakistan vs India T20 World Cup, Muhammad Rizwan, also defended his Indian counterpart. He urged people to respect their stars and the struggles they go through for their respective countries.
“The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the world Please respect your stars.”
This game should bring people together & not divide ’em,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi Takes Notice Of The Situation
Rahul Gandhi, who is a prominent member of the Indian Congress spoke up against those abusing Shami. His tweet is making rounds on social media and he is being appreciated for his support.
“Mohammad #Shami we are all with you. These people are filled with hate because nobody gives them any love. Forgive them.”
Mansha Pasha Tweets To Support Shami
The ever-gorgeous Mansha Pasha, who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and has done so several times before, stood up for what’s right.
Addressing the situation, she wrote, “Sad that religious intolerance has spread so far in India that cricketers have to come to each other’s defense like this. It’s a game for God’s sake! Don’t ruin the sport for the sportsmen by this over-the-top so-called nationalism.”
Twitterati Comes Out In His Defence
Fortunately, many people from both sides (especially India) are not entertaining this senseless attack on Shami solely because of his religion. People are not afraid to speak up and call out this sickening behavior.
Twitter is flooded with tweets supporting the Indian bowler.
We hope better sense prevails. Hatemongers must realize that it takes 11 people to win or lose a cricket match. One person cannot be held responsible, especially not because of their religion.
What are your thoughts on this?
