Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammed Rizwan has urged sports viewers to respect their players as they have all apparently been through immense pressure and stress in order to perform for their country and people.

Rizwan's word of advice comes as Indian team bowler Mohammed Shami was recently abused verbally by a section of people online following India's loss to Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. "The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed one of the best bowlers in the world. Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide 'em," Rizwan posted alongside a portrait of Shami.

Several Indian cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan and Virender Sehwag, came out in support of Shami as well. "When we support #TeamIndia, we support every person who represents Team India. @MdShami11 is a committed, world-class bowler. He had an off day like any other sportsperson can have. I stand behind Shami & Team India," Sachin wrote.

The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the world

Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide 'em #Shami #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/3p70Ia8zxf

— Mohammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) October 26, 2021