Violence against Muslims in India was recorded even after a colossal 10-wicket win on Sunday, Pakistan’s first win against India in any World Cup.
Cricket conflicts between India and Pakistan often escalate tensions between the neighbours, who have fought three wars since their independence in 1947.
31-year-old Shami became the main target despite India’s captain after the defeat in Dubai Virat Kohli admitted that his side had been “harassed”.
Hundreds of messages were left on Shami’s Instagram account that he was a “traitor” and should be dropped from the Indian team.
But many fans and politicians also urged support for him, calling for Indian players to reject hate messages, such as kneeling down to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Team India your BLM there is no point in kneeling if you can’t stand up for your teammate who is being badly abused and trolled on social media,” Omar Abdullah, a former Chief Minister of Kashmir, said on Twitter.
#Mohammed Shami was one of the 11 players who lost last night, he was not the only player on the field. Team India your B… https://t.co/El2CGszwG4
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) 163514492000
Another supporter on Instagram said, “Ignore the haters, most of India is grateful for your effort.”
People opened fire in celebration of the famous victory in Pakistan’s Islamabad and Karachi cities, while firecrackers were reportedly lit in Kashmir.
The online attack on Mohammed Shami is shocking and we stand with him. He is a champion and someone who wears indy… https://t.co/sFDXLPF708
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 1635153241000
Gautam Gambhir, former India Test cricketer, who became an MP Bharatiya Janata PartySaid that it is “shameful” that people are celebrating Pakistan’s victory.
Those who burst crackers on Pakistan’s victory cannot be Indians! We stand with our boys! #shameful
— gautam gambhir (@ gautam gambhir) 1635145681000
In Punjab, students from Kashmir said they were beaten up.
A student of an engineering and technology institute said dozens of men armed with hockey sticks and batons attacked him as he watched the closing stages of the game.
I was also a part of the #IndvsPak fight on the ground where we lost but were never asked to go to Pakistan! I am Tal… https://t.co/gYiENL171p
—Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 1635156694000
“They entered our room, turned off the lights and beat us up. They destroyed our laptops,” the student told AFP on condition of anonymity.
We love you @MdSami11 #Shami
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 1635160396000
“We are safe now and have the support of our college. But we didn’t expect it at all. We are Indians.”
We are very proud of you @MdSami11 Bhaiya
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) 1635160511000
The match also sparked violence in neighboring Bangladesh. Media reports said two Pakistani supporters were beaten up by Indian fans while celebrating victory in a southern district.
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