Mohammed Shami recommended for Arjuna Award, but is he even eligible?

Indian speedster Mohammed Shami was among the four cricketers to have been nominated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the Arjuna award, alongside Poonam Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. Shami has had a breakthrough season where he has forced his way into the ODI set-up after a consistent show in the whites. The question, however, arises as to whether Shami is eligible for such an award considering the tumultuous relationship with wife Hasin Jahan over their marital relationship.

Charges of dowry, mental harassment and sexual harassment were levied against Shami by his wife who has even demanded Rs 7 lakh per month from the cricketer as compensation over the strained relationship. The relations turned sour a year ago when the Jahan had accused Shami of adultery, domestic violence among many. While the legal battle continues, Shami has even been asked to appear before the court on June 22.

Amid the legal battle, a question over Shami’s eligibility for the Arjuna award rises. As per the guidelines, the player should be free from any sort of criminal or moral turpitude to be honoured with the award.

“The nominating authorities are required to certify in the nomination form itself that the nominees are clear from vigilance/disciplinary angles and are not involved in acts of criminal and moral turpitude nature. In case of sportspersons employed with Central Government / State Governments / PSUs or in private organizations, nominating authorities should obtain a requisite report from the concerned employers before certifying that the sportsperson being nominated is clear from vigilance / disciplinary angle and is not involved in any act of criminal or moral turpitude nature. While seeking report from the employer, details of chargesheet / disciplinary action taken / pending, if any, should also be obtained,” the policy on such government awards suggests.

Presently engaged with the Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shami will regroup with the Indian national team players after the conclusion of the franchise league and prepare for the ICC World Cup in England & Wales which begins on May 30.