T20 World Cup: Pakistan star Mohammad Rizwan backs Shami amid online abuse - Game should unite people

T20 World Cup: Pakistan's star opener Mohammad Rizwan condemned the online abuse directed against India pacer Mohammed Shami, saying the senior fast bowler is one of the best going around.

Pakistan opener and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has condemned the abuse against Mohammed Shami after India lost to Pakistan in their T20 World Cup Super 12 opener in Dubai on Sunday. Rizwan cam up with a strongly-worded statement on social media, saying the game of cricket should bring people together and not divide them. The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the worldPlease respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide 'em #Shami #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/3p70Ia8zxf We love you @MdShami11 #Shami We are so proud of you @MdShami11 bhaiya Criticising is fine but khiladiyon ko abuse nahi karna chahiye. Ye game hai, better team on that day won. Inhi cricketers ne India ko bohot matches jitaye hain pichle kuch saalon mein. Aur haar kar jeetne wale ko hi baazigar kehte hai na! #indiaVsPakistan #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup21 pic.twitter.com/cLqNmbRQ9T Even I was part of #IndvsPak battles on the field where we have lost but never been told to go to Pakistan! I’m talking about of few years back. THIS CRAP NEEDS TO STOP. #Shami Mohammed Shami has been a stellar performer for India for eight years, playing a significant role in many a victory. He can't be defined by one performance. My best wishes are always with him. I urge fans & followers of the game to support @MdShami11 and the Indian team.

Mohammed Shami was subject to abuse on social media as trolls singled him out and targeted him after Pakistan defeated India in a World Cup game for the first time after 12 attempts in their history. Shami was labelled a "traitor" and his Instagram page was filled with vile comments even as the entire team, led by Virat Kohli came up with an underwhelming performance in the big-ticket match.