BCCI should not withhold Mohammad Shami’s contract, matter not related to cricket: UP sports Minister Chetan Chouhan

Former Cricketer and Uttar Pradesh Sports Minister Chetan Chouhan has come out in support of top Indian pacer Mohammad Shami, whose contract was put on hold by BCCI over the allegations of domestic abuse by his wife.

Chouhan said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should not have suspended Shami’s contract as the allegations against him are not related to the game.

“I think BCCI should not withhold Mohammed Shami's contract as the issue has nothing to do with cricket and also he has not been found guilty yet,” the minister said.

It was a personal matter, he added.

Shami has been embroiled in a massive controversy after his wife Hasin Jahan in series of Facebook posts accused him of domestic violence, extramarital affairs, sexual abuse.

Also Read | Mohammad Shami booked by Kolkata Police; charged with non-bailable sections

Following an FIR from Jahan, Kolkata police have registered a case against Shami under the sections of the Indian Penal Code related to domestic violence, criminal intimidation, attempt to murder, and causing hurt with poison.

According to Jahan’s lawyer Zakhir Hossain, police have used non-bailable sections against the fast bowler.

Meanwhile, Shami’s Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils has said that it was keeping a tab on the entire controversy and will take a call on allowing the Bengal speedster to join the camp only after taking legal opinion from the BCCI.

Also Read | Mohammed Shami controversy: IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils await BCCI final call on Bengal speedster

“We are well aware about the sensitive situation and we are having discussions with top BCCI officials. There is a clause about any player bringing disrepute but it is for the lawyers to interpret it,” PTI quoted a senior Delhi Daredevils official as saying.