CoA in spot after recommending accused Mohammed Shami for Arjuna Award

Mohammed Shami has been one of India’s best pace bowlers in recent times, serving the side equally well in all forms. However, the trouble in his personal life is something that might create roadblocks on the way of him getting recognition for professional feats. The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) which runs the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seems to have found itself in a spot over recommending four names for this year’s Arjuna Award.

While there are no issues with the names like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Poonam Yadav, a bowler of the Indian women’s team, the recommendation of Shami could spark debate. Shami, who is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Kings XI Punjab, has also been picked in the Indian squad that will play in the World Cup starting May 30.

Shami has a turbulent personal life and allegations against him

The pacer was charged under sections that deal with harassment related to dowry and gender and the Kolkata Police had submitted a charge sheet against the cricketer before the court. Shami’s wife Hasin Jahan, who was recently held by the police for forcefully entering her in-laws’ house and released on bail, had filed a petition before the Alipore court. She had alleged domestic violence and sought Rs 7 lakh a month from her cricketer husband.

It was because of the legal charges against him by his wife that the CoA had withheld Shami’s central contract with the board. It was later cleared following a go-ahead nod from the anti-corruption unit.

Since the policy guidelines of the prestigious Arjuna Award want nominees to be free of any criminal taint, Shami’s nomination has come under the cloud.

On the field though, Shami has continued to impress. In 40 Tests, 63 ODIs and seven T20Is, the 28-year-old bowler has taken 265 wickets and has emerged as one of the fittest members of India’s pace battery. He will also play crucial role for the Indian team during the World Cup in England.

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