Dubai: Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan on Tuesday came out in support of pacer Mohammad Shami following the online abuse after India’s defeat against Pakistan in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Rizwan stated that Shami is a star and indeed of the best bowlers in the world. “The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the world Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide ’em #Shami #PAKvIND,” Mohammad Rizwan tweeted. Shami was subjected to online abuse after India suffered defeat against arch-rival Pakistan on Sunday. As soon as the match ended, fans on Instagram and Twitter passed derogatory statements on Shami.
The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the world
Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide ’em #Shami #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/3p70Ia8zxf
— Mohammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 26, 2021
On Monday, Sachin Tendulkar, former India pacer Irfan Pathan, Yuzvendra Chahal and all-rounder Yusuf Pathan also condemned the online abuse against Shami.
Set 152 to win, Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan produced a batting masterclass to chase down the target without losing a wicket and with 13 balls remaining at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
This was the first time that India has lost a T20I by 10 wickets. Coincidentally, this is also the first time that Pakistan has won a T20I by 10 wickets. India will next square off against New Zealand on October 31 while Pakistan will take on New Zealand on Tuesday.