ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Special prayers held in Mohammad Shami's village ahead of Australia semifinal

Mohammed Shami

Ahead of India’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, eleven maulvis conducted a Quran reading session in pacer Mohammed Shami’s residence in Sahaspur-Alinagar village of Amroha, praying for India to triumph in the big-ticket encounter on Thursday.

"The prayers are being held not for just Shami's good performance but also a win for Team India, which has so far shown consistency. For all of us assembled here as well as for the entire village, this is a special occasion, and God willing, our prayers will be answered,” one of the maulvis, Maulana Mohammad Rihan Raza Naimi, told the Times of India on Wednesday.

Shami’s house wasn't the only place where prayers were held, with special prayers being organised in all four mosques of the village.

The 25-year-old cricketer’s father, Tauseef, said that prayers were for all the 11 players that will take the field on Thursday and added that the sterling performance from the team has got back the excitement in the entire village.

"Few people were interested in the game here earlier. But Shami's inclusion in the Indian squad and his exceptional performance in the World Cup changed it all.

“My son is playing for the country and my blessings are with him.Inshallah, we will have a great feast where all the villagers will be invited to celebrate the win,” he said.