Mohammed Shami has given a befitting reply to internet trolls who had attempted to create needless controversy following his five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the recent . Shami, who had sunk into the ground on his knees, claimed that even if he had desired to pray - as was theorised by his critics - there was none who could have prevented him. (Cricket News)
“If I wanted to pray, who could stop me?" said in a TV appearance. "I won’t stop anyone from praying. If I want to pray, I will pray. What’s the problem in this? I wi💙ll say it with pride that I am a Musl🐓im. I will say it with pride that I am an Indian. What’s the problem in that?
"If I have to ask permission to prܫay from someone, then why should I be in this country? Have I ever prayed after taking a 5-wicket haul before? I have taken many five-wicket hauls. You tell me where you have ꦿto pray, and I will go and pray there."
The Arjuna Award-nominee also presented his reasons for t꧋he celebration, dismissing claims that it was a display of his religious affinity, but rather a result of him giving it his best.
“People likꦜe this are not on anyone’s side," He added.
"They only want to create a ruckus. I bowled with 200 per cent intensity in that game against Sri Lanka. Wickets were falling in quick succession and after taking 3 wickets, I thought I had to take a 5-wicket haul to🍒day. I was tired of not getting a wicket despite beating the edge of the batter so many times. I was bowling at full tilt. So when I got my 5th wicket, I sank to the ground and kneeled. People gave a different meaning to it. I think people who are misinterpreting these things don’t have any other work"
Sꦚhami was the leading wicket-taker a🧔t the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and ended the tournament with two five and one seven-wicket hauls.
