Cricket fraternity lends support to Shami

Picture Credit: Twitter

Fans abusing the players post their side's loss in a crucial game is nothing new in the field of sports, but the advent of social media has only increased the problem. Now, the unhappy fans find an easy access to a player's personal profile on social media and fill it with abusive words. The most recent victim of the same has been India pacer Mohammed Shami.

It is worth noting that Shami had a bad outing during India's T20 World Cup game against Pakistan on October 24. The right-arm speedster conceded 43 runs in 3.5 overs in the match without getting any wicket. While such a performance in a cricket field is quite common as anyone could have a bad day, the netizens lashed out at Shami and abused him for his performance. Given that it was a match against arch-rivals Pakistan and that India lost it by a 10-wicket margin, the fans also took on some of other India players, including skipper Virat Kohli.

After the abusive languages got filled all over internet, some former and current cricketers came out in support of the players.

"We love you Mohammed Shami," wrote former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, while Yuzvendra Chahal wrote: "We are so proud of you Mohammed Shami bhaiya."

Meanwhile, former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan asserted that "criticism is fine" but it shouldn't be done using abusive languages.

"Criticising is fine but khiladiyon ko abuse nahi karna chahiye. Ye game hai, better team on that day won. Inhi cricketers ne India ko bohot matches jitaye hain pichle kuch saalon mein. Aur haar kar jeetne wale ko hi baazigar kehte hai na! #indiaVsPakistan #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup21," said Pathan.

"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," wrote Sehwag.

Meanwhile, Irfan Pathan said: "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 ?? of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami."