India pacer Mohammed Shami could find himself back in the list of centrally contracted players if the BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) absolve him of any wrongdoing in its report.
The fast bowler has been in the news recently after his wife filed a police complaint against him, alleging domestic violence and harassment while also claiming the 28-year-old had several extra-marital affairs.
According to a report published by the PTI (Press Trust of India), ACU chief Neeraj Kumar’s inquiry into the matter is only limited to the allegations of financial wrong doings on Shami’s part. The board’s stance is reportedly to let the police take care of the other, more personal allegations against the Indian cricketer.
One of the allegations against Shami is that he received money from a Pakistani woman named Alishba on behalf of a businessman named Mohammad in Dubai last year. That is the only aspect being investigated by the ACU.
“The brief is pretty clear. The BCCI’s handbook has an ‘Ethics Code’ for cricketers with a specific clause regarding financial transactions. The ACU is only investigating Shami’s dealings with Mohammed Bhai and Alishba and the alleged monetary exchange his wife is talking about. If Kumar’s report absolves Shami of any wrongdoing, he will be immediately handed back his Central Contract,” the report quoted a senior BCCI official as saying.
Shami’s name has been withheld from the contracted players’ list.
“Yes, there are specific allegations levelled against him by his wife. But the Kolkata Police is doing its job and it’s completely their domain. In BCCI, we can’t sit back on judgment on personal life and take away his livelihood. Also board doesn’t have the powers to do so,” the official added.
The 28-year-old’s name had been withheld from the list of centrally contracted players by the BCCI when it was announced a few days ago. He is also contracted by the Delhi Daredevils to participate in the upcoming IPL. The franchise is also waiting for the ACU report before making a call on playing the pacer.
“We have decided that we will go by the report submitted by ACU chief Neeraj Kumar. Based on recommendations, a final decision will be taken. We have nothing to do with anybody’s private life. If he gets a clean chit, then he can play. If he doesn’t, then he won’t. This is what we have decided. The report will come in next four to five days, till then we will wait for the report,” IPL Governing Council Chairman Rajiv Shukla said on Saturday.
