Mohammed Shami cleared to play in IPL, gets BCCI contract

BCCI has cleared Mohammed Shami of the match-fixing allegations and has handed him over the ‘B’ grade contract along with KL Rahul, Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma and Dinesh Karthik.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has completed its investigations and saying that ‘no further proceedings under BCCI anti-corruption code are warranted in the matter.”

In a formal statement, BCCI said, “the Committee of Administrators had requested former Police Commissioner of Delhi and Head of BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit, Mr. Neeraj to investigate the matter against Mohd. Shami as they come under the provisions of the BCCI Anti-corruption Code.”

The beleaguered Indian pacer said that he was always confident of proving his innocence regarding the corruption allegations leveled against him by his wife Hasin Jahan.

“I was under pressure but now I feel relieved as BCCI has cleared me of wrong-doing. I was really hurt after my commitment towards my nation was questioned,” he said.

“But I had faith in BCCI and its investigation process. I am looking forward to getting back into the field,” he added.

Cleared to play in the IPL:

The BCCI’s clean chit also clears him to resume his association with his IPL franchise, Delhi Daredevils. The franchise were waiting for the reports of the ACU (Anti Corruption Unit).

In an interview given to the Indian Express, Daredevil’s CEO, Hemant Dua said, “We are excited about it. It’s not just for DD but more for cricket.”

“He is a great bowler and we never had any doubts about that. He is welcomed to join the Delhi Daredevils camp from March 27-28 at Feroz Shah Kotla, when we start. We are really happy for him,” Dua added.

The Delhi Daredevils used the Right-to-Match card option at the IPL 2018 bids to retain Mohammed Shami for Rs 3 crore.

The legal turmoil far from over:

Kolkata Police has booked Shami and his family members under non-bailable sections of the IPC.

An FIR has lodged against Shami’s mother, Anjuman-Ara-Begum, brother Hasib Ahmed, Hasib’s wife Shama and Shami’s sister, Shabina Ahjum.

Meanwhile, Hasin Jahan has requested West Bengal Mamta Banerjee to support her in her fight against Shami. She has also recorded a confidential statement before a judicial magistrate.