Mohammad Shami’s career faced a significant setback in 2018 due to various reasons, including a legal case filed by his wife, allegations of match-fixing, and his exclusion from the central contract with the Indian cricket board. The situation became so dire that Shami even contemplated suicide.
Shami’s career saw a resurgence after the 2018 ICC T20 World Cup. In a match against Pakistan in the group stage in Dubai, India had lost 10 wickets for just 10 runs, and Shami was heavily criticized on social media. Many considered him a “traitor.” However, Shami bounced back and became India’s most successful wicket-taker in One Day Internationals, taking 5 wickets in multiple ODIs.
Before making his mark in international cricket, Shami faced hurdles in domestic cricket in Uttar Pradesh due to political reasons. He moved to West Bengal to pursue his cricketing career but encountered various challenges there as well.
Shami’s journey in cricket has been marked by numerous challenges and obstacles, but he persevered and eventually became India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2018 ICC T20 World Cup. He is known for his ability to take wickets, particularly in One Day Internationals, where he has taken the most wickets among Indian bowlers.
In 2014, Shami’s coach in Moradabad, Baharuddin Siddique, described him as a hardworking and disciplined individual, dedicated to cricket. Shami’s passion for taking wickets was evident even then.
After moving from Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal, Shami initially played for club cricket. He later earned a place in the Bengal state team and represented India as well. His cricketing journey was filled with ups and downs, but he continued to pursue his passion for the game.
In 2014, Shami got married to Haseen Jahan, a model. However, their relationship faced turmoil, including allegations of match-fixing and harassment. Shami was even accused of fixing matches, leading to investigations by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His central contract with the board was suspended due to the legal case.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Shami revealed that he had contemplated suicide multiple times due to the stress and the legal case. He received support from his friends and family during those difficult times.
Despite facing immense challenges, Shami made a remarkable comeback in his cricketing career. He received encouragement and support from his teammates, including Virat Kohli. He continued to focus on his performance on the field and made a significant impact.
Shami’s journey in cricket is a story of resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles he faced, he managed to overcome them and become a key player for the Indian cricket team. His story is a testament to his passion for the game and his ability to rise above adversity.
