2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Shoaib Malik Slammed On Twitter For Referring To India Pacer Mohammed Shami's Religion 1

Pakistan International Shoaib Malik’s attempt to clarify his compliment on Mohammed Shami resulted in severe criticism from fans on social media. The middle-order batsman, who is currently in England for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, was interacting with fans through the International Cricket Council’s Twitter handle when one of the fans asked him about his choice for the best Indian bowler.

Malik took Shami’s name but in doing so he also mentioned that his choice was not affected by the fact that Shami is a Muslim.

This is what the fan asked:

In reply, Malik said: “The best bowler in the Indian team is Mohammad Shami. Not because he is Muslim. I have seen his bowling and played against him also. For me, I find him tough.”

The unnecessary clarification did not go down well with some of the fans and they wasted no time in slamming him for the same.

India and Pakistan, meanwhile, will open their Champions Trophy campaign by locking horns against each other on June 4 in Edgbaston. Before that, both the teams will play two warm-up games each. Pakistan will play against Bangladesh and Australia on May 27 and 29 respectively while India will take on New Zealand and Bangladesh on May 28 and 30 respectively.

Defending champions India are the hot favourites to start their campaign on a winning note at the cost of their arch-rivals but Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has said his team’s superior record against India in the Champions Trophy will boost his team’s confidence.

“We have a better record against India in the Champions Trophy, not in other competitions. We are looking to maintain that against them and it’s very exciting,” Sarfraz said at his pre-tournament press conference.