‘This crap needs to stop’ – Irfan Pathan, Virender Sehwag lend support to Mohammed Shami as the pacer faces online abuse over failure against Pakistan

Team India’s T20 World Cup 2021 campaign got off to a terrible start as they suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in their first assignment. Notably, this was the very first time the Men in Green defeated India in a World Cup match. While fans in Pakistan are in jubilation, cricket lovers on the other side of the border weren’t happy.

With the Virat Kohli-led side getting outplayed in the contest, several players faced criticism from fans and experts. However, one Indian player who faced unfortunate backlash was pacer Mohammed Shami. The speedster didn’t have a good time as he conceded 43 in 3.5 overs without taking any wicket. While several experts and analysts dissected what went wrong for Shami, some disgruntled fans targeted him over his religion.

A section of fans accused Shami of underperforming in order to help Pakistan win. Some even asked him to go to Pakistan. Needless to mention, these claims didn’t go down well with cricket stars and they came out in support of Shami. Former Indian internationals Virender Sehwag and Irfan Pathan took to Twitter and slammed fans for targeting Shami over his religion.

Irfan Pathan, Virender Sehwag slam fans for targeting Mohammed Shami

Pathan, who himself is a Muslim and has played a lot of cricket against Pakistan, was exasperated by fans’ behaviour. “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,” tweeted the former left-arm pacer.

Sehwag also criticized the online attacks on Shami and backed the fast bowler to comeback strongly in the next game. “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,” tweeted the former Indian opener.

Meanwhile, Shami was in exceptional form in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and the team management would want him to make a strong comeback. India’s next game is against New Zealand on October 31 and Shami would be raring to shine.