Dubai: Former and current India stars, including Sachin Tendulkar, extended their support to pacer Mohammed Shami on Monday after he was subjected to a fierce online attack following the national team’s first-ever loss to Pakistan in World Cup history.India lost its T20 World Cup opener by 10 wickets on Sunday with Shami emerging the most expensive bowler on the night, leaking 43 runs off 3.5 overs.
When we support #TeamIndia, we support every person who represents Team India. @MdShami11 is a committed, world-class bowler. He had an off day like any other sportsperson can have. I stand behind Shami & Team India, tweeted Tendulkar.
Former India pacer Irfan Pathan described the attack on Shami as unprecedented. Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! he posted. We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya, wrote India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
Shami has been one of India’s best fast bowlers in recent times. The trolls linked his performance on Sunday to his religion that did not go down well with fellow netizens, with several offering support.
Facebook on Monday said that it quickly introduced measures to remove the abusive comments against Mohammed Shami. Facebook added that it will continue to take action against those that violate its Community Standards. No one should have to experience abuse anywhere, and we don’t want it on our platforms. We quickly introduced measures to remove the comments that directed abuse at an Indian cricketer, a Facebook spokesperson said.