Sports India

For Young Muslims across India, Mohammad Kaif is more than just a sporting icon. He is a symbol of achievement and outspokenness.

Now, while some politicians use the Mumbai blasts to score political points and polarise the country even more, Kaif has spoken out against those who carried out the blasts thinking it would get Mumbai and the country down.

“We have shown that we are united. These kinds of incidents will not be able to stop the country’s progress,” said Kaif on Saturday.

It is not the first time that Mohammad Kaif has taken a position on national issues. The Allahabad-born paceman who’s in terrific form, is known to speak his mind on issues beyond cricket.

On the blasts, his strong position follows Tendulkar’s, who has joined hands with other Mumbai celebrities to record a message against this kind of violence.

“It is very tragic as lots of people have lost their life. But the way people are fighting back. It seems they have come out of the shock – they were back on the trains the next day. It shows that we are not giving up – everyone is there supporting each other,” he said.

Kaif’s straight talking will not help politicians who would like to use the Mumbai blasts to typecast the Muslim community.

“We have shown those who are behind the blasts that India is going forward everyday and every month – no one can stop it. (Those who are behind the blasts) won’t be able to achieve their aim,” Kaif declared.

And though the all rounder isn’t mentioning any political party or politician directly, it’s quite clear he’s as upset with them as he is with those behind the blasts.