“Sports should be treated separately” - Harbhajan Singh defends Mohammed Shami amind roza controversy

Former Indian spinner and commentator Harbhajan Singh has come out to defend Mohammed Shami, who has decided not to fast during the first semi-final against Australia in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

Notably, Shami faced a lot of criticism from a section of the Muslim community, who called him a criminal and sinner. It’s important to note that Muslims around the world follow roza from the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun.

Nevertheless, Shami was seen having drinks during the match at the boundary ropes, which caught the spotlight of many. Interestingly, a few Muslims defended the pacer, stating that fasting is completely a personal choice.

Now, Harbhajan Singh has requested everyone to put religion away from the sport. He has asserted that it is unfair from people to set expectations on cricketers. 

“I think I just want to say that this is my personal view-I might be wrong or right. Sports should be treated separately. People who feel religion is playing this role or that role, I think it’s fine to kind of do your routine-what you do in your religion. But people expecting Shami to do this or Rohit Sharma to do this or any XYZ to do this or that during a certain period (is not fair)," Harbhajan told India Today in an exclusive chat.

“You might be doing it because you are sitting at home or doing your own routine work. But when you are playing as a sportsman, if you don’t keep yourself hydrated, you might collapse," Harbhajan added. 

“And of course, with the kind of heat they are playing in, I think they need to drink water. They can’t go through the game without having a drink or a snack. It’s your body, after all-you need fuel. People who are commenting about it, all I can say is it’s their personal thing. Shami or others, I don’t think they will be worried or bothered about it."

Shami played a crucial role in the first semi-final, scalping three wickets against Australia. Interestingly, he is also the leading wicket-taker for Team India in the eight-team showpiece event.

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