Bengaluru, March 8 -- Former wicketkeeper batter Syed Kirmani believes seasoned seamer Mohammed Shami should ignore the criticism that he has faced for not observing 'Roza' during Ramzan in the semi-final clash between India and Australia.

All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi stoked a controversy by calling Shami "a criminal" for not observing 'Roza' during Ramzan.

The 34-year-old player was seen drinking an energy drink on Tuesday during the semi-final clash against Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Kirmani feels a player should avoid the criticism and focus on the task. If they focus on criticism, pressure will start mounting on them.

"They are all playing for the country. There's ...