In a recent event organized by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), there was a notable blunder concerning the name of Indian cricket star Mohammed Shami. Currently sidelined due to injury, Shami attended this ceremony in Kolkata where he was set to be honored for his impressive performance in the 2023 World Cup. However, what was meant to be a moment of recognition turned into a source of embarrassment for both the player and the association.
A Major Oversight in Honor
On September 14, Shami was celebrated for being the most successful bowler in the recently concluded World Cup, where he took an astounding 24 wickets in just 7 matches — the highest in the tournament. Surprisingly, the CAB chose to hold this ceremony nearly ten months after the World Cup, which has raised eyebrows regarding the timeliness and planning of such honors.
Errors in Presentation
During the ceremony, CAB President Snehasish Ganguly draped a shawl around Shami’s shoulders and presented him with a bouquet. Unfortunately, a glaring error marred the proceedings when Shami’s name appeared on a large screen, incorrectly spelled as ‘Mohammad Shamit’. This misspelling did not go unnoticed and quickly went viral on social media, sparking ridicule and criticism for the CAB’s oversight. To add to the blunder, the year of the World Cup was also incorrectly stated as 2024, when it had actually occurred in 2023.
CAB felicitated Mohammed Shami😅
Comment when you see it! #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/U1KR02XlMP
— Koushik Biswas (@kbofficial25) September 14, 2024
Shami’s Future in the Team
The errors at the event feel especially disrespectful, as they detract from what should have been a proud moment for Shami. While he has refrained from making any statements regarding the incident, social media has been buzzing with criticism directed at CAB for such a careless mistake. Looking ahead, Shami’s return to the Indian cricket team may be longer than expected. Initially ruled out for the Test series against Bangladesh, it now appears unlikely that he will take part in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand in October. Current assessments suggest that Shami might make his comeback during India’s tour of Australia instead.
