Скачать или смотреть Chetan Chauhan Speaks on BCCI Contracts & Mohammed Shami Exclusion over Marital Discord Virat Kohli

The BCCI has dropped bowler Mohammad Shami from its list of centrally contracted players. This decision came after his wife accused him of infidelity and domestic abuse.The board has also has not given any official statement on the exclusion.

Mohammad Shami is obviously involved in bitter marital discord that does not do his reputation any good. But is it the BCCI’s job to intervene in players’ personal matters?

There are several sportspersons, including cricketers, who have had rocky – or failed – marriages, but unless it directly impinges upon the functioning of a team or the sport, they are left to fight their own battles.

For example, tennis star Leander Paes has been locked in a protracted divorce case, but that has not been used as grounds to deny him a place in the Davis Cup squad, or participation in international tournaments.

To hold back Shami’s contract on ‘ethical grounds’ is presumptive (about his guilt), and ambiguous in scope. Marital strife makes for a juicy story, but will the board act similarly if a player is involved in, say, a property dispute?

The BCCI has reportedly said it will take a call on Shami’s contract in a few days, after an investigation, when, in fact, it should have been the other way around: give him the contract and pull the plug if the investigation so necessitates.

The board’s decision is driven by allegations and perception, not legal position. The charges against Shami are very serious, of course, but await legal inquiry.

If he were arrested for violence against his wife, for instance, the BCCI’s decision would be absolutely justified.