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The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) recently honoured star Indian pacer and the Arjuna awardee, Mohammed Shami during its annual award ceremony in Kolkata on September 14. The 34-year-old was felicitated for finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup, which was played in India, but the event garnered limelight for all the wrong reasons.
Shami, who hasn’t played a single match since India’s loss in the ODI World Cup 2023 final to Australia, he has been on and off the screen, speaking about his experience in the Indian colours. During a felicitation ceremony by CAB, the UP-born pacer was honoured for his achievements, but at the same time, the cricket association received massive backlash for wrongly spelling his name.
Mohammed Shami turns “Mohammed Shamit”; fans react
As Shami’s name was called out, the screen behind had his recent achievements mentioned on it. The cricket board had spelled the 34-year-old pacer’s name wrongly, leaving fans talking about it. “Congratulations Shamit” the text read, leaving fans frustrated and criticizing CAB for mishandling the situation. Notably, this wasn’t the only error as they even mentioned ICC Cricket World Cup 2024, rather than 2023, where Shami featured last.
Check out how fans reacted on Shami going “Shamit”
Won’t take any chances until I am 100% fit: Shami
Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), Shami also spoke of his likely return in Indian colours. When asked of his return to cricket, Shami responded, "Koshish jaldi hi kar raha hoon kyun ke main janta hoon kaafi time ho gaya hai team se bahar rehte hue (I am working hard to make a comeback soon because I know I have been out of action for quite some time).”
"However, I want to ensure there is no discomfort when I return. I've to work on my fitness, so that there is no discomfort. The stronger I return, the better it is for me. I don't want to rush and risk getting injured again, be it against Bangladesh, New Zealand or the Australia series. I've already started bowling, but I won't take any chances until I am 100% fit," he further continued.
However, Shami’s return to the cricket field is not destined as of now as he wasn’t named in the 16-member squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, which is scheduled to start from September 19 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
