Samajwadi Party Member of Parliament, Zia ur Rahman Barq, stated on Wednesday that he plans to bring the matter of cricketer Sarfaraz Khan’s non-selection to the Parliament’s Standing Committee for Sports. This action is contingent on evidence suggesting that Sarfaraz’s Muslim faith played a role in the decision.
Barq’s comments emerge amidst a political debate initiated by Congress national spokesperson Shama Mohamed, who suggested that Sarfaraz Khan’s “surname” might have contributed to his omission from recent Indian cricket squads.
Addressing the controversy, Barq emphasized, “It should not happen that if someone’s performance is good, then removing them solely on the basis of religion would obviously be a violation of our constitutional rights. If this happens, I am also a member of the Standing Committee of Parliament for Sports. I will also try to raise this issue.”
He further highlighted that contributions to the nation’s pride have never been exclusive to any single religious community. “People of every religion and caste have always played for the country and brought honour to the nation. Our Muslim community has always played a role in this, and people of all religions have participated enthusiastically,” Barq was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The ‘Surname Row’
Shama Mohamed had previously questioned Sarfaraz Khan’s absence from the India A squads for upcoming matches against South Africa A, hinting via X that his “surname” might be the reason. She posted, “Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname! #justasking. We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter,” making a pointed reference to India’s coach and former BJP MP, Gautam Gambhir.
These remarks followed the announcement of India A squads, where the 28-year-old Mumbai batter, known for his consistent domestic performances, was once again overlooked. Sarfaraz, who last represented India in November 2024, has faced repeated snubs for major tours despite his strong form and improvements in fitness.
BJP Criticizes Comments
Mohamed’s comments drew sharp criticism, with critics accusing her of injecting communalism into a sporting issue. The BJP condemned her remarks, stating that the Congress was attempting to “divide cricket along communal lines.” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked, “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?” He further added, “In the same team Mohammad Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed will play! Stop dividing India on communal lines, caste lines,” as reported by PTI.
Mohamed had previously faced criticism in March for making comments perceived as fat-shaming towards then-captain Rohit Sharma, a post she later retracted after internal party reprimand.
The ongoing debate highlights the sensitivity surrounding selection policies, particularly when linked to player backgrounds, a sentiment amplified by Sarfaraz Khan’s continued absence from national squads despite stellar domestic records.