'Not because he's a Muslim guy'? Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik's gaffe while picking favourite Indian bowler

Shoaib Malik created a controversy of sorts while answering a fan question on Friday in the build up to the Champions Trophy. The Pakistani cricketer was replying to questions on ICC's official Twitter handle when he seemed to put his foot in his mouth while revealing who he thought was the best Indian bowler.

"The best bowler in the Indian team is Mohammed Shami. Not because he's a Muslim guy. I've seen his bowling, played against him also. For me, I find him tough. That's why," said Malik.

Here's the cricketer giving his answer:

.@Baquerali2 #AskShoaib pic.twitter.com/mQdF1Zp6jH

— ICC (@ICC) May 26, 2017

Although it'll be safe to say that Malik didn't have any malice in his heart while giving this answer, there wasn't really any need to drag religion into the conversation. Twitter users were miffed with his response, arguing that he didn't need to mention religion to validate his choice.

Here are some reactions:

@ICC @Baquerali2 Would ve agreed with him had he not entered religion on it. No need to get into religion to express ur fav.

— Avhilash Adhikari (@Wild_Material) May 26, 2017

@ICC @Baquerali2 'Not because he is a Muslim guy'??
Totally unnecessary..

— Anshuman Jha (@anshumanjha_98) May 26, 2017

@anshumanjha_98 @ICC @Baquerali2 Statements like this are unwanted and unwarranted. Reason why people get instigated!

— Roshan Todi (@roshantodi) May 26, 2017

@roshantodi @ICC @Baquerali2 Exactly! Now more people will begin to doubt that he has a spl place in his heart for Muslims which he is trying to hide!!

— Anshuman Jha (@anshumanjha_98) May 26, 2017

@ICC @Baquerali2 Being afraid of a Muslim bowler is lesser crime for him.

— Ashesh Shah (@shahashesh2001) May 27, 2017

@ICC @Baquerali2 Sirji Sami is pride of India no need to bring religion between, by the we also like u as great player ur religion we never thought about

— Naresh-Indian First (@SangamNaresh) May 26, 2017

@dictator0077 @ICC @Baquerali2 Har baat mein religion ghusadna aata hai enko.

— iamvinayak (@vinu_panibhate) May 26, 2017

Malik, who is married to star Indian tennis player Sania Mirza, will be participating in his sixth Champions Trophy - the most by any Pakistani.