In the swirling storm of debates surrounding the Asia Cup 2025, one voice has cut through the noise with rare clarity that of Mohammed Shami. Despite not finding a place in India’s final squad for the tournament, the veteran pacer’s words in a recent interview have gone viral, reminding fans of the spirit of the game beyond politics.
The upcoming Asia Cup has already been overshadowed by political tensions between India VS Pakistan, two nations whose history often spills onto the cricket field. While global multilateral events ensure they face each other on neutral grounds, bilateral series remain a distant dream. For fans, the India vs Pakistan clash is more than just a match it’s an emotion. Yet, many in India feel fatigued by Pakistan’s unyielding political stance and its support of cross border terrorism, making the fixture far more complex than just cricket.
When asked the burning question should India play Pakistan?
Shami’s response was as direct as his bowling. He acknowledged the undeniable frenzy surrounding the clash. “Playing Pakistan is different because of the fan craze, but for players, it’s about performing,” he said calmly, reminding everyone that for those in the middle, it is cricket first.
On whether he ever faced hostility or sledging from Pakistan players during his long career, Shami gave an answer that reflected his temperament. “None. I only got upset once in a Test when someone was wasting time. I told them to play their game. That’s my aggression.” The statement echoed his professionalism aggression channelled only through the ball, not words.
Shami, who has represented India in every ICC encounter against Pakistan from the high-voltage 2017 Champions Trophy Final to the 2023 Cricket World Cup admitted he couldn’t recall a single moment of heated sledging with Pakistani cricketers. Instead, he pointed to a different kind of hostility the one he faces off the field.
The fast bowler spoke openly about the religious hatred directed at him on social media, particularly after India-Pakistan encounters. “Some target me because I’m Muslim, especially after Pakistan matches. I don’t care. I’m not a machine; I’ll have good and bad days. When I play for my country, I focus on wickets and winning, not social media. Trolling doesn’t affect me because I avoid it.”
Behind those words lies the story of a man who has carried the tricolour with pride, often under a barrage of unjust criticism. For Shami, the game is about skill, sweat, and service to his nation never about hatred. His candid voice serves as a reminder that cricket, even in the fiercest of rivalries, is meant to unite, not divide.
