A political storm erupted on Tuesday after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed questioned the exclusion of cricketer Sarfaraz Khan from India A’s squad for the upcoming South Africa A series, suggesting communal bias in the selection process. Her remarks quickly turned into a heated political exchange, drawing sharp reactions across social media.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Shama Mohamed wrote, “Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname? #justasking. We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter.” Her post went viral within minutes, with many accusing her of bringing religion into cricket.
ALSO READ: Mohsin Naqvi Orders PCB Review After Pakistan Women’s Team Fails to Win at World Cup
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla was quick to respond, slamming the Congress leader for “communalising cricket” and adding, “After calling Rohit Sharma fat, now they want to divide our cricket team on communal lines? In the same squad, Mohammad Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed are playing! Stop dividing India on caste and religion.”
Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname ! #justasking . We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) October 22, 2025
This lady & her party is sick. After calling Rohit Sharma fat- she and her party want to divide even our cricket team on communal lines? Desh ka partition karke mann nahi bhara kya?
In the same team MOHAMMAD SIRAJ AND KHALEEL AHMED will play ! Stop dividing India on communal… pic.twitter.com/mUEqdeAK9o
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) October 22, 2025
The controversy reignited the debate surrounding Sarfaraz Khan’s repeated omission from national squads despite his prolific domestic record. The Mumbai batter last featured for India A against the England Lions in Canterbury, where he impressed with a fluent 92. However, he missed the Australia A series due to recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
When the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announced the squads for the two four-day matches against South Africa A, Sarfaraz’s exclusion once again drew attention. Rishabh Pant has been named captain for both matches.
ALSO READ: Matt Renshaw Reveals How Virat Kohli’s Duck Helped Him Overcome Nerves
While fans and several cricket observers expressed disappointment, sources within the BCCI clarified that the decision was based on fitness and team balance—not bias. Still, the controversy highlighted how cricket selection debates can quickly spiral into politically charged discussions in India’s social media landscape.
