Controversy Over Sarfaraz Khan's Exclusion from India A Squad

New Delhi, Oct 22 (PTI) Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed sparked controversy on Wednesday, questioning the exclusion of Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan from the India A cricket squad. She insinuated that his omission could be due to "his surname." She also seemed to take a swipe at Indian team's coach Gautam Gambhir, commenting, "we know" where he stands on the issue.

The BJP quickly responded, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla urging Mohamed to keep "dirty political communal agenda" out of cricket. Khan's exclusion from the national squad, selected for two first-class games against South Africa A, has led to public outcry.

The omission of the 28-year-old cricketer, who has shown remarkable form in domestic cricket and improved fitness, puzzled many on social media, prompting questions about what more he could do to earn a spot. Mohamed, in a post on X, stated, "Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname! #justasking. We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter."

Poonawalla retorted, "This lady & her party are sick. After calling Rohit Sharma fat, now they want to divide our cricket team on communal lines? Desh ka partition karke mann nahi bhara kya?” He emphasized that Mohammad Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed are part of the same team and urged an end to divisive rhetoric.

Mohamed previously faced backlash in March for fat-shaming former Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, leading to a reprimand from her party and removal of the offending post. In that deleted message, she remarked that Sharma is "fat for a sportsman."