The case was reported in Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh, where Shami’s brother, Haseeb, filed a formal complaint at the local police station. According to the FIR, a person identified as Rajput Sundar sent the extortion demand to Shami via email, threatening to take his life if the money was not paid.

Police have launched an investigation, treating the matter with high seriousness given the nature of the threat.

Shami is currently representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. However, his performance this season has been underwhelming, with just 6 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 56.17.

Hate campaign intensifies in India as Muslims face violence

Previously, Shami played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy campaign, taking 9 wickets in 5 matches, including a five-wicket haul in his debut match of the tournament against Bangladesh.

This is not the first such incident involving Indian cricketers. Earlier, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir also received death threats via email. The Delhi Police are actively investigating that case as well.

Authorities revealed that Gambhir’s threat email followed India’s controversial false flag operation in Pahalgam, Kashmir. He is currently under the protection of Delhi Police.

OIC-IPHRC voices concerns over rising Islamophobia, violence against Muslims in India