Reports : Decision to withhold Mohammed Shami’s annual contact wasn't unanimous

Mohammed Shami's name tapped into controversy after his wife accused him of domestic violence, infidelity, and even match-fixing. She accused Shami of taking money from a woman named Alishba in Dubai to fix matches a claim Shami denied. However, the accusation was enough for the BCCI from removing the pacer's name from the annual contract list which led to many questioning the legitimacy of the same.

However, now TOI have reported that the decision to leave out Shami was also discussed in the captains and coaches conclave and certain state cricket association members were not in the favor of the hard call of excluding him from the list. But, the CoA officials decided to hear the audio tape in which Hasin is heard accusing her husband of meeting a woman in Dubai to fix matches. After listening to the sample, the Supreme Court-appointed Committee decided not to include Shami’s name in the initial list of cricketers to be rewarded with a contract from the cricket board.

“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,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by TOI.

“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.”

While the court case is supposed to be going on for some months now, Shami's future as a cricketer has come under doubt. Earlier some reports also came out that he may not be able to feature in the Indian Premier League matches for Delhi Daredevils. His participation for the most important England tour is also under doubt.

“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,” said sources.