NEW DELHI: India’s star pacer Mohammed Shami has faced numerous obstacles throughout his career. Despite being India’s top wicket-taker in the last three ODI World Cups, his personal life has often been in the spotlight.
The 33-year-old pacer, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, went through separation from his wife, Hasin Jahan, who filed a police complaint against him, alleging domestic violence and match-fixing.
Although Shami was cleared of these allegations, his friend Umesh Kumar disclosed on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast that during this challenging period, Shami had contemplated suicide.
The revelation reflects on the immense pressure and emotional turmoil that the cricketer faced while dealing with personal and professional challenges simultaneously.
“Shami was fighting with everything during that phase. He lived with me in my house. But when the fixing allegations with Pakistan broke and led to a probe that night, he was shattered. He said that I can tolerate everything but not allegations of betraying my country,” Umesh said on the podcast.
“It also came in the news that he wanted to do something drastic that night. It was around 4 a.m. when I got up to drink water. I was on my way to the kitchen when I saw him standing on the balcony. It was the 19th floor we were living on. I understood what happened. That night of Shami’s career, I feel, was the longest. Later, one day, when we were talking, he got a message on his phone saying he got a clean chit from the committee investigating the matter. He was probably happier that day than he would have been if he had won a World Cup,” he added.
Recuperating from an achilles injury and surgery, Shami shared an image of himself training intensely in the nets, accompanied by a caption that showcased his determination to make a strong comeback and make a significant impact for the Indian team.
“Ball in hand and obsession in my heart, ready to turn the game. #shami #mdshami #mdshami11,” Shami posted on social media.
Shami’s most recent competitive match was in November, when he represented India in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, which unfortunately ended in a loss for India.
Shami ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in 7 matches, including three five-wicket hauls.
The 33-year-old pacer, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, went through separation from his wife, Hasin Jahan, who filed a police complaint against him, alleging domestic violence and match-fixing.
Although Shami was cleared of these allegations, his friend Umesh Kumar disclosed on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast that during this challenging period, Shami had contemplated suicide.
The revelation reflects on the immense pressure and emotional turmoil that the cricketer faced while dealing with personal and professional challenges simultaneously.
“Shami was fighting with everything during that phase. He lived with me in my house. But when the fixing allegations with Pakistan broke and led to a probe that night, he was shattered. He said that I can tolerate everything but not allegations of betraying my country,” Umesh said on the podcast.
“It also came in the news that he wanted to do something drastic that night. It was around 4 a.m. when I got up to drink water. I was on my way to the kitchen when I saw him standing on the balcony. It was the 19th floor we were living on. I understood what happened. That night of Shami’s career, I feel, was the longest. Later, one day, when we were talking, he got a message on his phone saying he got a clean chit from the committee investigating the matter. He was probably happier that day than he would have been if he had won a World Cup,” he added.
Recuperating from an achilles injury and surgery, Shami shared an image of himself training intensely in the nets, accompanied by a caption that showcased his determination to make a strong comeback and make a significant impact for the Indian team.
“Ball in hand and obsession in my heart, ready to turn the game. #shami #mdshami #mdshami11,” Shami posted on social media.
Shami’s most recent competitive match was in November, when he represented India in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, which unfortunately ended in a loss for India.
Shami ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 24 wickets in 7 matches, including three five-wicket hauls.