Why was Mohammed Shami's contract upheld when BCCI was unsure? Here's the story
Mumbai: Troubles are mounting every day for Mohammed Shami. Wife Hasin Jahan previously alleged the India pacer of having extra-marital affairs and fixing matches along with blaming Shami and his family for domestic abuse and attempting to kill her.
Serious allegations saw the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) upholding Shami’s central contract until he was clear of all investigations. The national cricket board was caught in a dilemma upon taking such a serious call and wasn’t fully firm on the stance, according to a report by the Times of India.
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However, a final call was taken once the Supreme Court-appointed the Committee of Administrators (CoA) heard the audio tape recording by Jahan in which Shami is heard talking to a Pakistani woman by the name Alishba and collecting money from her.
It is learnt that a cricketer-turned-administrator strongly disagreed against rewarding Shami with a new contract at the captains and coaches conclave held on Wednesday. The decision was also backed by a senior BCCI employee.
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“Less than 30 cricketers from a pool of hundreds are privileged to earn an India contract. In such a small group, if there’s a cricketer who is being accused by his wife of adultery and there are other serious allegations, what message is the BCCI sending to society in general. If not for the fixing allegations made by his wife, the opposition would’ve continued. The board was almost on the verge of a huge blunder,” a close source said.
The issue has also raised questions about Shami’s participation in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic competitions.
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“We’re talking about a very important India cricketer, so whatever is done in this regard, BCCI needs to ensure that he’s not lost to mere allegations or biases of investigations reveal he was set up,” sources added.
Kolkata police has charged Shami under various non-bailable and bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 498A - cruelty to a woman by her husband or his relatives, Section 307 - attempt to murder, Section 323 - punishment for voluntarily causing hurt, Section 376 - rape, Section 506 - criminal intimidation, Section 328 and Section 34 based on the complaints filed by his wife.
