The BCCI has defended India captain Rohit Sharma after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed called him fat. Her remarks sparked political controversy, with political leaders slamming her comments. Rohit is currently leading India in the ongoing Champions Trophy, where they have reached the semi-final undefeated.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally responded after Congress spokesperson
Shama Mohamed sparked controversy by calling India captain Rohit Sharma ‘fat’ and ‘unimpressive captain India has ever had.’ Her remarks came after Rohit was dismissed for 15 runs off 17 balls during India’s ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand on Sunday.
Shama Mohamed’s comments about Rohit’s fitness and leadership drew widespread backlash. In a now-deleted social media post, she wrote, “Rohit Sharma is fat for a sportsman! Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!”
Following the uproar, the Congress party swiftly distanced itself from Shama Mohamed’s comments. Pawan Khera, chairman of the party’s media and publicity department, clarified that her statements did not represent the party’s position.
Dr. Shama Mohammed, National Spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, made certain remarks about a cricketing legend that do not reflect the party’s position.
She has been asked to delete the concerned social media posts from X and has been advised to exercise greater…
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) March 3, 2025
BCCI defends Rohit Sharma
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia spoke up in support of captain Rohit Sharma, condemning the remarks made by Shama Mohamed.
“Very unfortunate for a responsible person to pass such a trivial comment when the team is in the midst of such a marquee ICC tournament. It may have demoralizing effect on an individual or the team,” Saikia told PTI.
“All the players are performing to their highest potential and results are visible. I hope individuals shall desist from making such derogatory statements for personal publicity sake at the cost of National Interest,” he added.
Political leaders slam Shama Mohamed
The controversy quickly turned political, with leaders across party lines weighing in. Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi came out in support of Rohit Sharma, emphasising that his weight had no bearing on his achievements as a cricketer.
Not an avid cricket fan however even with my limited interest in the game, I can say that Rohit Sharma – with extra pounds of weight or without it, has led India team to great heights. It is his work and commitment to it that matters. Win the trophy, Champion!
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) March 3, 2025
BJP leaders also lashed out at Shama Mohamed’s remarks. BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala criticised Congress, drawing a sharp comparison between Rohit Sharma’s captaincy record and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s electoral performance.
Those who have lost 90 elections under captaincy of Rahul Gandhi are calling captaincy of Rohit Sharma unimpressive!
I guess 6 ducks in Delhi and 90 election losses is impressive but winning T20 World Cup isn’t!
Rohit has a brilliant track record as captain by the way! pic.twitter.com/5xE8ecrr4x
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) March 3, 2025
#WATCH | Delhi: BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari says, “The Congress party is trying to send a message that every patriot, who does good for the country, will be opposed by the Congress. They have an issue that Rohit Sharma, and Indian winning Captain, has done good for the country… https://t.co/wkbHEfD5Pv pic.twitter.com/7Gdq4N5mCn
— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2025
Rohit Sharma is currently leading India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where his side has reached the semi-final without losing a single game. India will lock horns against Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday, 4 March.