Death Threats Rock Indian Cricket: Mohammed Shami Targeted Amid IPL 2025

Threats Against Mohammed Shami

New Delhi: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has reportedly received a death threat through email on Sunday, prompting the Cyber Crime Police Station in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, to file a First Information Report (FIR).

The FIR, which was filed on Monday following directives from the Superintendent of Police, was lodged by Shami's brother, Haseeb, and identifies a person named Rajput Sindar as the alleged sender of the threatening email.

The FIR details that the sender demanded a ransom of ₹1 crore from Shami, who is currently engaged in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Charges have been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, and the police are actively investigating the situation.

In the ongoing IPL season, Shami has played nine matches, taking only six wickets with an average of 56.17. However, he showcased his skills during India's victorious Champions Trophy campaign, where he claimed nine wickets in five matches, including a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in their first match in Dubai.

This incident follows a similar occurrence last month when Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian team, also received a death threat via email.

Authorities confirmed that they are looking into the threat directed at Gambhir, who is currently under police protection in Delhi. This threat came in the wake of a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of at least 26 lives and left many injured.

In a communication to the police, Gambhir's office requested the registration of an FIR and emphasized the need for heightened security for his family.