There is a speculation going around about Indian Pacer Mohammed Shami. He was not in the final match of their group stage despite having been performed really well in all matches that he has played in this World Cup. The speculation that arose from a Pakistani news channel really gave us a speed bump in our thought process. Was really Mohammed Shami dropped from playing against Sri Lanka because he is a Muslim?

Was Mohammed Shami dropped from playing against Sri Lanka because he is a Muslim?

Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami.

Mohammed Shami has shown a great performance in this world cup. The pacer has picked 14 wickets including a hat-trick in the four matches that he played. He was on his way to become the highest wicket-taker in this session. But Why BCCI did not put him in the squad against Sri Lanka remains a mystery.

A cricket analyst on Pakistan news channel ‘Aaj News’ claimed that Shami was dropped out of the match because he is a Muslim. The ruling party of India BJP does not want a Muslim plyer to achieve any significance. He said,

I wouldn’t have dropped Shami. The bowler who has picked 14 wickets in only three matches (4 matches). You’ve benched him suddenly. He was also approaching a record. He would’ve also come in top two or three in the leading wicket-takers’ list. I can’t understand this and think there is pressure on the team to bench Shami. I think BJP’s agenda of not letting the Muslims progress is the reason for Shami being benched.

However, Indian captain Virat Kohli clarified that they were resting both Shami and Chahal ahead of the very important semi-final match against New Zealand. So yes, Kohli has a point here as well. Hence we are hopefully going to see this Speedmaster throw some good pace today at Old Trafford.