Ace Indian Pacer Mohammed Shami Faces Voter Verification Hearing in Kolkata

Kolkata: Renowned Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami on January 20 appeared before election officials in Kolkata today for a mandatory hearing as part of West Bengal’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, according to an official statement.

Shami presented the required documents at a school in the Bikramgarh area of south Kolkata. The session addressed inconsistencies noted in his voter enumeration form, prompting the summons, explained a senior official from the state Chief Electoral Officer’s office.

Originally from Uttar Pradesh, the cricketer has made Kolkata his home for several years, driven by his professional commitments with Bengal. He is enlisted as a voter in ward 93 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, falling within the Rashbehari assembly constituency.

Shami and his brother Mohammed Kaif both received notices from the Election Commission to attend verification hearings. The pacer had missed a prior date due to his participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal in Rajkot, leading to a rescheduled appearance.
"Shami could not turn up for the hearing on an earlier date, as he was in Rajkot, representing Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. So, a new date was issued," the poll official said.

Shami first moved to Kolkata as a young talent following advice from his coach. Under the mentorship of ex-Bengal Ranji captain and coach Sambaran Bandyopadhyay, he secured a place in the Bengal Under-22 squad, paving the way for his stellar career.

Election authorities continue the SIR process to ensure voter list accuracy ahead of upcoming polls.

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