GUWAHATI: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday, March 3, termed the body-shaming remarks against Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma as "very unfortunate", questioning the timing of such comments ahead of India’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia.
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“It’s very unfortunate that this kind of remark has come from a person in a responsible position, especially when Team India is set to play a crucial semi-final match,” Saikia reportedly said.
The controversy came to light after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohammed referred to Sharma as "fat" in a now-deleted post on X, calling him the “most unimpressive captain” India has ever had. The remark triggered widespread backlash, despite her later clarification.
Following the situation, the Congress Party distanced itself from her remark, stating that the party does not endorse any statements undermining the legacy of sporting icons.
The leading Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also took a jibe at the Congress politician, questioning whether Rahul Gandhi will now play cricket after "failing in Indian politics."
Shama Mohammed defended her statement, however, insisting it was a "generic tweet about fitness" and not intended as body-shaming. However, she stood by her belief that Sharma appeared "a bit overweight" and maintained that she had every right to express her opinion. “I always believed a sportsperson should be fit,” she reportedly stated. “I felt he was a bit overweight, so I tweeted about it. I have been attacked for no reason. It is a democracy, and I have the right to express my opinion.”
Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan, meanwhile, dismissed the controversy, stating that Sharma’s fitness and leadership should not be questioned. “He is a World Cup-winning captain, and the team is competing in the ICC Champions Trophy. Her statement should not be taken seriously as she doesn’t understand match fitness or the kind of captain he is,” Wassan remarked.
