Mohammad Shami plans to make up for missed fasts after Champions Trophy

Indian fast bowler Mohammad Shami has shared his plans to make up for the fasts he missed during Ramadan after the Champions Trophy 2025.  

During a press conference at Dubai Cricket Stadium, Shami admitted that playing during Ramadan is challenging, but he remains focused on helping his team in the tournament. He emphasized that representing India is his priority, and he will compensate for the missed fasts once the competition is over.  

Professional cricketers follow a strict routine to manage their diet, rest, and recovery, even when playing matches during Ramadan. Shami has been a key player for India in the tournament. His three crucial wickets against Australia in the semi-final helped India secure a spot in the final.  

The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, has remained unbeaten in the Champions Trophy. They will face New Zealand in the final, with both teams eager to lift the trophy.  

India and New Zealand met earlier in the group stage, where India won with the help of Varun Chakravarthy’s impressive 5-42. India is considered the favorite for the final, having won all four of its matches in the tournament, including a 44-run victory over New Zealand. However, both teams had already secured their semi-final spots at that point.  

India has played all its matches in Dubai, as they refused to travel to Pakistan, the official host of the Champions Trophy, due to political tensions between the two countries.  

New Zealand is determined to win the Champions Trophy for the second time, having first won the title in 2000. India is expected to have strong crowd support at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which has a capacity of 25,000. However, New Zealand holds an advantage in recent head-to-head encounters, with nine wins, six losses, and one no-result against India in global white-ball tournaments.