New Delhi: Under fire Indian pacer Mohammad Shami, who has been charged with allegations of adultery and spot-fixing by wife Hasin Jahan, has now retorted back saying that he has evidence justifying his innocence.
He also added that he is ready to take the legal way out and isn’t interested in out-of-court settlements.
“I have evidence to prove my innocence. There is no chance of mending things with my wife, and I am not willing to have an out-of-court settlement, will take legal route,” Shami said to a news channel.
Things turned more sour for the Bengal pacer when Jahan further accused him of forcing her into having physical relations with his brother. Also, she had claimed that Shami had taken money from a Pakistani woman named Alishbha after receiving instructions from a UK-based businessman Mohammad Bhai. This has made the CoA ask the ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) to investigate into this matter.
Apart from his contract being withheld by the BCCI, Shami’s participation in the upcoming IPL, where he represents the Delhi Daredevils, is doubtful.
“Look, Daredevils management can’t take any unilateral decision in this matter. All players who play in the IPL have a tripartite contract involving the franchise, BCCI and the player. Yes, 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,” a senior official of the club had told last Friday.
Shami to be back in BCCI contracts if cleared by ACU
Shami is likely to be back amongst the BCCI contracts if he is cleared by BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) with respect to the board’s code of ethics.
“The brief is pretty clear. The BCCI’s handbook has an ‘Ethics Code’ for cricketers with a specific clause regarding financial transactions. The ACU is only investigating Shami’s dealings with Mohammed Bhai and Alishba and the alleged monetary exchange his wife is talking about. If Kumar’s report absolves Shami of any wrongdoing, he will be immediately handed back his Central Contract,” said a senior BCCI official to PTI, on Friday.
The BCCI also stated that they have nothing to do with allegations of domestic violence against the pacer by wife Jahan, saying that it falls under the jurisdiction of the police.
“Yes, there are specific allegations levelled against him by his wife. But the Kolkata Police is doing its job and it’s completely their domain. In BCCI, we can’t sit back on judgement on personal life and take away his livelihood. Also board doesn’t have the powers to do so,” the official added further.