Cricketer Mohammed Shami Meets Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath
Indian cricket team's veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami paid a visit to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence in Lucknow on Monday. While specific details of their conversation were not immediately made public, the meeting between the prominent sports personality and the state's chief minister garnered public and media attention, often seen as a courtesy interaction.
Unpacked:
The meeting reignited rumors about Shami potentially joining politics, specifically the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Such speculation is common given the BJP's history of inducting popular public figures, and Shami’s previous interactions with top political leaders further fueled this buzz.
Yes, Shami has previously interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially following major cricket victories, and has also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. These encounters have contributed to perceptions of his growing proximity to political circles.
Recently, Shami was close to breaking the IPL record for most runs conceded in a four-over spell, giving up 75 runs against Punjab Kings. He also had standout performances for India in events like the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The Uttar Pradesh government announced the construction of a cricket stadium in Shami’s native village of Amroha. This move is seen as both an acknowledgment of his cricket achievements and a strategic gesture by the state leadership.