MUMBAI: The BCCI announced Thursday that Mohammed Shami had been cleared by its anti-corruption unit of match fixing charges brought against the embattled pacer by his estranged wife, following which the board would “proceed with offering a Grade ‘B’ annual retainership contract”.
A Grade ‘B’ contract entitled Shami to Rs 30 million per year. Additionally, he will now also be eligible to play in the Indian Premier League for the Delhi Daredevils, starting April 7.
The BCCI had withheld Shami’s contract after his wife Hasin Jahan made a series of allegations, including adultery and domestic violence before lodging a complaint against him with the Kolkata police.
A hurt but “relieved” Shami said that he was always confident about proving his innocence in the wake of corruption allegations levelled against him by his wife.
“I was under tremendous pressure but now I feel relieved after BCCI cleared me of wrong-doing. I was hurt that my loyalty and commitment towards my nation was questioned. But I had full faith in BCCI’s investigation process. I am looking forward to getting back on the field,” Shami told mediapersons on Thursday.
Following specific allegations that Shami accepted money from the London-based Mohammed Bhai through a Pakistani women Alishba whom the paceman met in Dubai, the Committee of Administrators (CoA) had asked its ACU chief Neeraj Kumar to investigate the matter.
“The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) had requested Mr Neeraj Kumar, former Police Commissioner of Delhi and Head of BCCI Anti-Corruption Unit, to investigate the allegations against Mohd. Shami insofar as they pertain to the provisions of the BCCI Anti-Corruption Code,” CoA stated in a media release on Thursday.
“Mr Neeraj Kumar has submitted his confidential report to the CoA. Based on the conclusions in the said report, the CoA is of the view that no further actions/ proceedings under the BCCI anti-corruption code are warranted in the matter.
“For this reason, the BCCI shall proceed with offering a Grade B’ annual retainership contract to Mohd. Shami,” the release further stated.
The CoA, led by Vinod Rai, had given a seven-day deadline to Kumar to submit the report on the issue.
This direction came after cricketer’s wife levelled various allegations, including of match-fixing, against the fast bowler.
