Indian Cricketer Mohammed Shami Receives Death Threat and Rs 1 Crore Ransom Demand

Indian cricket team’s premier fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been targeted with a chilling death threat accompanied by a demand for a Rs 1 crore ransom, according to a report by Daily Pakistan Online. The threat, sent via email on May 4, 2025, was reported to the authorities by Shami’s brother, Haseeb Ahmed, who filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. The sender, identified as Rajput Sindar, allegedly threatened to kill Shami if the ransom was not paid.

The FIR, lodged on Monday under the orders of the Superintendent of Police, Amroha, details that the email not only demanded the substantial sum but also included a direct threat to Shami’s life. The Amroha police, in coordination with the crime branch and cyber cell, have initiated a comprehensive investigation to trace the origin of the email and identify the perpetrator. Preliminary findings suggest the suspect may be linked to Karnataka, with a name, Prabhakar, also mentioned in connection to the threat.

Shami, a native of Sahaspur Alinagar village in Amroha, is currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he has taken six wickets in nine matches. Despite his modest performance in the ongoing season, Shami recently played a pivotal role in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory, claiming nine wickets in five matches. The timing of the threat, amidst his IPL commitments, has raised concerns among fans and authorities.

The Uttar Pradesh police have heightened security measures around Shami and are employing digital forensics to track the sender. The case has been registered under Section 308(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Sections 66d and 66e of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008, addressing online impersonation and privacy violations. The incident has sparked widespread attention, with posts on X reflecting public shock and support for the cricketer.

As the investigation unfolds, the cricket community and Shami’s supporters await swift action to ensure his safety and bring the culprit to justice, highlighting the growing issue of cyber threats targeting high-profile individuals.