As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to enthrall cricket fans across the country, troubling news has emerged involving Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fast bowler Mohammed Shami. The veteran Indian pacer reportedly received a death threat via email while participating in a match.
According to reports, on Sunday, May 4, an email was sent from an individual identifying himself as Rajput Sindhar, in which a demand for ₹1 crore was made. Alongside the extortion demand, the sender also issued a direct death threat to Shami, writing, "...or else I will kill you."
Following the threat, Shami promptly reported the matter to the Amroha Police in Uttar Pradesh, his hometown. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the origin and intent of the threatening communication. Security concerns surrounding cricketers during the high-profile IPL tournament have once again come into the spotlight.
This is not the first time Mohammed Shami has faced controversy. During an earlier stint with the Indian national team in the Champions Trophy, Shami was criticized by Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, the national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, for allegedly consuming energy drinks during the fasting period of Ramadan. The cleric accused him of disrespecting religious practices by not observing the fast.
In another incident, Shami and his daughter were subjected to online trolling after they celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi. Despite facing religious backlash, the cricketer maintained a calm and composed demeanor, choosing not to respond to the criticism publicly. At the time, many across the country had voiced support for him.
While Mohammed Shami has not yet commented on the recent threat, the cricketing community and fans alike are waiting to see how he will respond to this deeply concerning incident. With investigations now underway, questions are also being raised about player safety and the increasing frequency of threats targeting public figures.