The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reacted sharply to a contentious comment by Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed, who referred to India captain Rohit Sharma as “fat” and questioned his inclusion in the team. While she later removed the post, it had already triggered outrage and heated debate.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was disappointed with the comment, terming it “unfortunate” that the comment was made at a time when the team was doing well in an ongoing ICC tournament.
Issues Regarding Team MoraleWhile talking to ANI, Saikia underscored the harmful effect such statements might have on the players. “It is very unfortunate this type of comments come from someone who is holding a responsible post to our captain, at a meanwhile moment when India is competing in an ICC tournament and the team is all ready to play Semi final,” he said.
He also pointed out that all the players were playing at their best and that such comments would be demoralizing. “Extremely unlucky for a serious individual to leave such a shallow remark at this time when the team is undergoing such a very important ICC championship. It has the potential of demoralising someone or even the entire team. The best of each one of them and all the others are giving it their best effort and one sees results as well. I expect people will avoid making such insensitive remarks for own publicity reasons,” Saikia said in NDTV.
Deleted Post Continues to Create OutrageMohamed had, in her since-deleted post, said, “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!”
She also compared Sharma to former Indian captains, labeling him as “mediocre” and suggesting that he was merely fortunate to have been appointed captain. “What is so world-class about him when compared to his predecessors? He is a mediocre captain as well as a mediocre player who got lucky to be the captain of India,” she added.
India Prepares to Face Semi-Final vs. AustraliaCurrently playing in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, Team India has conquered the group stage and reached the semi-finals. They will play defending World Cup winners Australia on Monday, with big hopes placed on Sharma’s leadership.
