After Rejection, BCCI Helps Mohammed Shami to Get US Visa to Play Series Against West Indies: Source

The Bengal speedster finally got the clearance after BCCI CEO Rahul Johri wrote a letter to the US Embassy, stating his achievements for the country and furnishing the full police report.

Controversial Indian speedster Mohammed Shami’s finally got the clearance on his US visa after BCCI CEO Rahul Johri wrote a special letter to the US Embassy, stating his achievements for the country and furnishing the full police report about his marital discord with estranged wife Hasin Jahan. Shami’s US visa got rejected due to his existing police record on charges of domestic violence and adultery, and the BCCI had to step into his rescue, confirmed a source from the board.

It is learnt that the Indian players got their visas under P1 category (granted to members of an internationally recognised foreign team of athletes).

“Yes, Shami’s visa application was initially rejected by the US embassy. It was found that his police verification record was incomplete. However now it has been sorted and all the required documents have been furnished,” a BCCI source privy to the developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“Once the visa application got rejected, CEO Rahul Johri wrote a letter of request, citing Shami’s achievements including participation in multiple World Cups. Also the documents were furnished,” he informed.

In early 2018, Shami and his estranged wife Jahan separated after the latter accused her husband for adultery and domestic violence. Jahan filed an FIR against Shami in Kolkata. Their divorce case is currently sub-judice.

Earlier, Shami’s exclusion from India playing XI for the World Cup semifinal clash against New Zealand did not go well with many cricket experts and fans.

India team management’s decision was questioned and criticized by a fraction of fans on social media. Shami, who has picked up 14 wickets in the four matches that he has played so far, was not included in the playing XI.

(With PTI Inputs)