Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is enjoying a splendid ICC World Cup 2023, having already claimed 14 wickets in three matches.
The right-arm pacer took five wickets and played a crucial role in his team's resounding 302-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 33rd match of the World Cup at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
However, what caught everyone's attention was Shami's decision to abstain from Sajda (prostration) immediately after completing his five-wicket haul. He reverently bowed down to express gratitude to Almighty Allah but refrained from placing his head on the ground, maintaining the same position.
Social media users were swift to notice and expressed the view that Shami may have refrained from Sajda due to the knowledge that he represents a country with a history of Islamophobia events.
It's worth recalling that Mohammed Shami faced online abuse following India's defeat to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2021. Numerous derogatory messages were directed at Shami on his social media accounts, labelling him a "traitor" and calling for his exclusion from the Indian team.
Then Indian captain Virat Kohli publicly supported Shami, stating, "To me attacking someone over their religion is the most, I would say, pathetic thing that a human being can do."
Meanwhile, India's triumph over Sri Lanka propelled them to the top of the points table and secured their spot in the semi-finals. Their next challenge awaits as they face South Africa at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.
In a remarkable feat, Mohammed Shami became India's highest wicket-taker in Men's Cricket World Cups, achieving this milestone in just his 14th appearance. He finished with impressive figures of 5/18 from five overs, significantly contributing to the team's success.