Published 15:00 IST, July 8th 2019
World Cup absurdity: Pakistan cricket analyst says 'BJP's agenda to bench Mohammad Shami versus Sri Lanka as he's a Muslim'
In yet another absurd claim from across the border, an analyst said that bowler Mohammad Shami was benched on BJP's word for India versus Sri Lanka match on Sunday at Headingley.Â
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While the Pakistan cricket team was put to rest from the field after getting knocked out from the World Cup 2019, there was no stopping for the Pakistani cricket analysts on news channels.
In yet another absurd claim from across the border, an analyst said that bowler Mohammad Shami was benched on BJP's word for India versus Sri Lanka match on Sunday at Headingley.
A Pakistani panelist on a news channel seemingly discontent with the decision called it the ruling party's 'agenda' against the Muslim community.
"I wouldn't have dropped Shami. He is a bowler and took 12-13 wickets in three matches. And you suddenly benched him? Even he was going towards breaking records and would've come in the top 2 or 3 (position). I can't understand. They probably have pressure to make him rest, they have got him but probably don't want him to play. That's what I feel. It is BJP's agenda to not encourage Muslims, I wouldn't be surprised. This is what has happened.
Along with Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal was rested for the match ahead of the semi-finals wherein India will be clashing with New Zealand on Tuesday.
Turning out to be one of the star players, the bowler picked 14 wickets in just 4 games, including a World Cup hat-trick.
Last week, former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq singled out bowler Mohammed Shami over his religion while analysing the Indian bowlers.
The former Pakistani all-rounder spoke about the Indian bowling attack hailing them as the best but after he got past how one of Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav manage to find a way even if the others draw a blank, he came to Mohammed Shami and immediately cited his religion, also managing to add that it was 'fine' that he was playing for India.
He said, "They have the best bowling attack. Bumrah is leading their bowling charts. If he is not taking a wicket, Yadav and Chahal are their wicket taking bowlers. Now, Shami has already done his work and he is a Muslim, that's the good thing, it's fine that he's playing for India."
14:43 IST, July 8th 2019