A video featuring Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami, dressed in a skull cap and kurta has gone viral on social media, with claims that he released a statement apologising to the Muslim community for breaking his fast during a Champions Trophy match. The viral clip allegedly shows Shami saying that he was forced to break his fast to protect his cricketing career and expressing regret to his Muslim supporters.
The controversy stems from an incident where Shami was seen consuming an energy drink during India’s semifinal match against Australia in Dubai on March 5, sparking criticism for not observing roza.
The video is shared on Facebook with a caption: “Mohammed Shami explained the reasons for breaking his fast. He regrets and apologises for doing so.”
Here’s the link to the above post. (Archive)
FACT CHECK
NewsMobile fact-checked the above claim, and found it to be FALSE.
Searching with relevant keywords, NewsMobile traced the original video to Shami’s Instagram post, dated April 11, 2024. In this post, Shami is wearing the same attire as in the viral clip.
View this post on Instagram
Further investigation into his social media activity on the same day led us to another video, in which Shami is simply extending Eid greetings on behalf of his family and friends. There is no mention of fasting or any apology in the original footage.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, Shami’s cousin, Mumtaz, along with several others, has defended him against the backlash regarding his fasting practices. However, we found no official statement from Shami himself addressing the controversy.
Thus, it is evident from the above information that the viral video has been edited with false claims.
