Mohammed Shami to contest LS polls? BJP approaches cricketer: Reports

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has been approached by the BJP to field him in Lok Sabha elections from West Bengal, claimed media reports.

The 33-year-old Shami, who is currently out of cricketing action as he is recovering from an injury, is yet to respond to BJP’s proposal, reports said. The BJP wants to field Shami from Basirhat.

However, there has been no instance in India of an active international cricketer joining politics. If Shami decides to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, he may have to quit cricket.

Last month, Shami said he had a successful heel operation on his Achilles tendon. He has been ruled out of IPL 2024, which starts on March 22. He plays for Gujarat Titans in the T20 league.

Shami plays for Bengal in domestic cricket and has been out of action since the ICC World Cup 2023 in November last year at home where he shone brightly being the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps.

After Shami had posted about his surgery, on X (Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi had wished him on the social media platform.

“Wishing you a speedy recovery and good health, @MdShami11! I'm confident you'll overcome this injury with the courage that is so integral to you,” Modi wrote.

To this, Shami replied, “It was such a wonderful surprise to receive a personal note from Prime Minister Narendra Modi sir wishing me a speedy recovery. His kindness and thoughtfulness truly mean a lot to me. Thank you so much Modi sir, for your well wishes and support during this time. I will continue to work hard towards my recovery, Thank you all for your continued wish ,love and support.”