As the IPL 2024 auction anticipation builds, the spotlight is on Gujarat Titans, particularly after the marquee transfer of their captain, Hardik Pandya, back to Mumbai Indians in a significant all-cash deal worth Rs 15 crore. However, revelations now surface that Pandya was not the only player sought after by rival franchises.
Franchise Breach: Mohammed Shami Targeted Illegally
In an unexpected turn of events, Colonel Arvinder Singh, the Chief Operating Officer of the IPL 2022 champions, discloses that a franchise directly approached Gujarat Titans’ leading wicket-taker, Mohammed Shami, for a trade deal. This revelation sparks controversy as it violates the strict trading procedures outlined by the BCCI.
Colonel Arvinder Singh expresses his disapproval of the franchise’s direct approach to Mohammed Shami, emphasizing the importance of following the established trading procedures. He mentions that while teams have the right to strengthen their squads, the correct protocol involves expressing interest through the BCCI, allowing the concerned franchise to make an informed decision.
“See, every team has the right to take good players to make their team stronger. Mohammed Shami has done well for us, won the purple cap holder last season, he performed well in the World Cup. He is a very important part of our team. The wrong thing is when some franchises directly approach players. The BCCI has made a procedure for trading. There is an expression of interest that goes to BCCI and it is subsequently shared to the concerned franchise, who can then take a call whether to go on with the trade or not,” Singh said in a News 18 interview.
Shami’s Stellar Performance and Injury Struggle
Mohammed Shami, instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ journey to the IPL 2023 final, emerged as the purple cap holder with 28 wickets. His exceptional form continued in the World Cup 2023, where he finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps. Shami’s outstanding performance was marred by an ankle injury, revealed post-tournament, which impacted his landing during the matches.
With 1166 players registered for the IPL 2024 auction, including international stars like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, and Rachin Ravindra, the event promises high-profile bidding wars. The evolution of purchasing power in the IPL could set new records, creating heightened anticipation for the auction scheduled on December 19, 2023.
Shami’s Uncertain Future and Team Loyalty
Despite Mohammed Shami’s uncertain playing future due to the ankle injury, Gujarat Titans remain committed to their star pacer. Shami’s exceptional contributions to the team, especially in the IPL 2023 season, have solidified his status as a vital asset for the franchise.
As the IPL 2024 auction date approaches, the revelations surrounding Mohammed Shami’s illicit targeting underscore the need for transparency and adherence to established procedures in player trading.
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