As the BJP gears up for elections, it might bet on Bengal’s beloved cricket star, Mohammad Shami. The BJP leadership is contemplating fielding him from West Bengal in the electoral fray. Renowned for his fiery pace, Shami garnered national acclaim playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and continues to grace the domestic cricket scene.
Insiders reveal that the BJP has already approached Shami with this proposal. However, the final decision awaits Shami, who is currently on a break from cricket post-surgery.
Considering a Run from Bashirhat
According to top BJP sources, there has been positive discussion about offering Shami the chance to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from West Bengal. There's buzz that fielding him could secure BJP wins in Bengal’s minority-dominant seats.
Political pundits think fielding Shami could be PM Modi’s masterstroke, as he is now one of the trending heroes of Indian cricket.
Dazzling World Cup Performance by Shami
Last year, Shami was honored with the Arjuna Award for his stellar World Cup performance. The 33-year-old seized 24 wickets across 7 matches, including a historic 7-wicket haul against New Zealand in the semi-finals, marking the best figures by an Indian bowler in the history of 50-over World Cup. Shami achieved the feat of five-wicket hauls thrice in the tournament.
Following this, CM Yogi met with Shami and announced the construction of a cricket stadium in his native village of Amroha.
Shami’s Political Fervor: A Surgery and Hopes for Recovery
After the team's World Cup final loss, PM Modi's consoling visit to the dressing room and his embrace with Shami went viral. Shami also met with Home Minister Amit Shah and received appreciation from PM Modi in a recent social media post, wishing him a speedy recovery after surgery, to which Shami responded gratefully with thanks.
