Shami gets death threat and ransom demand during IPL

India’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami received a death threat via email on Sunday, while he was actively playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The matter was formally reported to the police by his brother, Haseeb.

FIR filed in Amroha after ransom demanded

The FIR was registered by the Cyber Crime Police Station in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district on Monday. It was filed on the orders of the Superintendent of Police (SP). The complaint named one “Rajput Sindar” as the person who sent the threat email.

According to the FIR, the sender not only threatened Shami but also demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore. The threat was reported while Shami was with his IPL franchise, SRH.

FIR registered under cyber and criminal law sections

Police have registered the FIR under several legal sections. These include Section 308(4) of the Indian Penal Code (BNS), 2023, along with Sections 66D and 66E of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008. With the FIR in place, the cyber crime unit has launched an investigation into the identity of the sender and the authenticity of the email.

Shami’s form in IPL

So far in the 2025 IPL season, Shami has taken six wickets in nine matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His bowling average stands at 56.17, which reflects a relatively low wicket count. However, his international form was notable during India’s Champions Trophy-winning campaign. In that tournament, Shami claimed nine wickets in five matches, including an impressive five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in India’s opening match in Dubai.

Gautam Gambhir faced similar threat last month

Gautam Gambhir | Credit: X

The case has drawn comparisons with a similar incident last month involving India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. He too received a death threat via email, prompting a complaint to be filed with the Delhi Police. The threat came in the wake of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed at least 26 lives. Gambhir, a former Member of Parliament, already has Delhi Police protection. His personal secretary had sent the threat mails to both the Rajender Nagar SHO and the DCP (Central), urging them to register an FIR and ensure the safety of his family.

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