Exclusive: Hurt Mohammed Shami wants to leave Bengal

Image: XtraTime

Anilava Chatterjee: India pace spearhead Mohammed Shami is thinking about not representing Bengal anymore in domestic cricket. Shami, who made his debut for Bengal in first class cricket, is hurt with a recent behavior from Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Shami’s brother Mohammed Kaif, who plays for Town Club in CAB local league has not been allowed to represent the state U’23 team due to discrepancies in his birth certificate.

According to sources close to Shami, the India speedster is not very happy with the way CAB has handled the issue. He is hurt with the manner the issue has been dealt with. The Moradabad born fast bowler feels, had the association (CAB) officials showed initiative then the decks could have been cleared for his brother to play for Bengal U23 team. The fast bowler is even more hurt due to the fact that the current Board President Sourav Ganguly has also showed very little interest in the matter. Shami though has not been able to personally discuss the issue with the BCCI President.

The Cricket Association of Bengal, when contacted clarified that they have sent Kaif’s (Shami’s brother) documents twice to the board for registration but yet to receive any feedback. The CAB official who does not want to be quoted said that the association is still pursuing the matter with the Board. It is further learnt that Kaif’s papers have been rejected by a former India cricketer who is now associated with the BCCI administration.

A letter signed by CAB secretary Avishek Dalmiya has also been sent to the board. Avishek will personally talk to Shami on this matter and explain him the entire episode. But as far as Mohammad Kaif getting a chance to play for Bengal, the ball is in the court of BCCI.