Except off the field, it was India’s cricket skipper at his best, confronting all of the targeted bullyings and hate speech directed at Mohammed Shami since the cricket team’s T20 World Cup loss to Pakistan. On that special day, the Pakistani team performed admirably, but the Indian team did not. Shami, on the other hand, was picked out for criticism because he is a Muslim – “traitor,” “Pakistani,” and so on. When asked about it at a press conference, Virat Kohli eloquently articulated what is wrong with bigotry in general and in cricket in particular.
First and foremost, religion is a deeply holy and personal experience for each individual, and it should be respected. Second, questioning Shami’s allegiance to the country is utterly nonsensical, given that he has won India a number of matches and has been our key bowler alongside Jasprit Bumrah in recent years. Kohli further stated that while anonymous social media handles engage in this “pathetic” game, it has “0.0001%” room in the Indian team. It’s diametrically opposed to competing at the international level, where cricketers must remain together, support individuals, focus on their strengths, win or lose… and get ready to take to the field once more. The Indian team had taken a knee in protest of racism before the play, which appeared ironic given the subsequent Islamophobia.
Comparisons to how England’s Football Association had firmly condemned online racist abuse of several players following the Euro 2020 final loss were made almost as quickly. Given how much of this vitriol is spread via social media, where algorithms favor nasty comments, it’s worth noting that Kohli made his major statement at a traditional press conference. His thoughts will undoubtedly be heard by all in a country where cricket is loved by all. May they be taken into consideration as well.
Source- ESPN