In a major twist, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly nominating India pacer Mohammed Shami from West Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, as per India Today report. While the star cricketer hails from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, he is likely to contest from Bengal.
The talented cricketer, who made headlines with his stunning performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, represents Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and continues to play domestic cricket for the state.
If reports are to be believed, the BJP leadership has reached out to Shami with the proposal. However, the pacer is yet to take any decision in this regard. However, reports said the discussions between Shami and BJP have been positive.
The BJP is contemplating a big win by fielding Shami in the minority-dominated constituencies. The saffron party’s primary focus would be to field Shami from the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, the latest hotbed for newsmakers after the Sandeshkhali violence.
Currently, Shami is on break due to surgery and hasn’t played cricket since the World Cup.
Earlier, PM Modi had wished him a speedy recovery and wished him all the best for his future matches. The PM had also praised Shami for his sensational performance in the World Cup who took 24 wickets in just 7 matches at an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20.
Following the loss in the World Cup Finale, PM Modi himself met all the players and consoled them. The video of PM Modi’s visit to the dressing room of the cricketers had also gone viral on social media.
Shami had also met Union Minister Amit Shah, after the World Cup.