Mohammed Shami Contemplated Suicide Amid Match-Fixing Scandal: ‘It was 4 in the morning when I saw…’, Friend Reveals
Mohammed Shami Contemplated Suicide Amid Match-Fixing Scandal: 'It was 4 in the morning when I saw…', Friend Reveals
Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami opens up about the darkest phase of his life, revealing how he fought against suicidal thoughts and the struggles he faced during match-fixing allegations.
Mohammed Shami, the celebrated Indian cricketer known for his stellar performances. He has previously also discussed his struggles with suicidal thoughts. However, he delves deeper into this painful period through his friend Umesh Kumar’s revelations.
Shami, who has been a key player for India, enjoyed significant achievements including victories in Australia, impressive performances in the ODI World Cup and setting records for consecutive four-wicket hauls. Despite these highs, he faced considerable lows, including frequent injuries, personal issues with his ex-wife, and distressing match-fixing allegations from her.
During the darkest period of his career, marked by accusations from his estranged wife Hasin Jahan, Shami was deeply affected. Jahan’s police complaint for domestic violence also led to the temporary suspension of his BCCI central contract. Umesh Kumar shared on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast ‘Unplugged’ that Shami was devastated when the match-fixing allegations broke. Kumar recounted an alarming moment when Shami stood on the balcony of their 19th-floor apartment, contemplating suicide in the early hours.
Kumar described this as the longest night of Shami’s life, noting that Shami’s spirits were lifted when he later received news of being cleared of the allegations. This moment of relief brought him immense joy, comparable to winning a World Cup.
In a recent panel discussion, Shami explained his approach to overcoming setbacks. He emphasized prioritizing one’s goals. It is important not to be swayed by unfounded allegations. Shami asserted that his identity and career were worth fighting for, stating that if he hadn’t persevered, his situation might not have attracted such attention.
Currently, Shami is recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last year. He is expected to return to action in the home Test series against Bangladesh or New Zealand later this year.
