Reports: Mohammed Shami set to play in IPL 2018

What's the story?

According to reports in the Mid-Day, troubled India pacer Mohammed Shami has been cleared to represent the Delhi Daredevils in the 11th edition of the IPL. The 28-year-old is currently battling multiple allegations hurled at him by his wife, Hasin Jahan.

"We have principally agreed to allow Shami to play in the IPL. We felt that whatever is happening in his personal life should not have any bearing on his professional career. He is an exceptional cricketer. He will play eventually," a BCCI official told Mid-Day.

In case you didn't know...

While the right-arm pacer has categorically denied the allegations, especially the ones pertaining to match-fixing, his wife has been repeatedly communicating with the media the allegations against her husband.

His India contract was also put on hold, after the BCCI withdrew his name from the list of contracted players, waiting for the Anti-Corruption Unit to clear him before going any further.

The heart of the matter

Shami, who plays for Bengal in domestic cricket, was purchased by the Delhi Daredevils for Rs. 3 crores, and has been plying his trade for them since being initially bought by them in 2014.

Although the initial decision was taken during the IPL Governing Council's meeting, held at the BCCI Cricket Centre on March 16th. Along with Shami's case, even England all-rounder Ben Stokes's situation was considered, him being an affray in a brawl at a nightclub in Bristol.

What's next?

While the statement from the BCCI official might be a breather for Shami, he still will have to wait for an official confirmation, once the Anti-Corruption Unit presents its reports, in a week's time.

Author's take

While it is difficult to comment on the Shami situation from an outsider's perspective, given that the turn of events is still unclear, if the pacer does get to play the IPL, it'll be a big positive for the game, as Shami's talent is unquestionable, so is his dedication towards the game and for his country.