BCCI requests Arjuna Award inclusion for Mohammed Shami post World Cup brilliance

BCCI has formally recommended Indian pace bowler Mohammed Shami for the prestigious Arjuna Award. Sources from the Sports Ministry confirm that the cricket board made a special request to include Shami's name, originally omitted from the list of contenders for the country's second-highest sporting honor.

Shami, a key contributor to India's performance in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, emerges as a standout nominee for the Arjuna Award, adding a layer of recognition to his exceptional cricketing achievements. Mohammed Shami,33 showcased stellar performance during the ODI World Cup, culminating in India securing the runner-up position after a hard-fought final against Australia.

 Shami emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker, claiming an impressive tally of 24 wickets in just seven outings, with an astonishing average of 5.26. The BCCI's formal recommendation spotlights Shami's exceptional contribution to India's cricketing success

 Sports Ministry has taken significant steps in the selection process for this year's sports awards, constituting a 12-member panel to decide recipients for honors such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Arjuna Award.

Headed by retired Supreme Court Justice AM Khanwilkar, the panel includes six former international athletes, namely Dhanraj Pillay, Kamlesh Mehta, Akhil Kumar, Shuma Shirur, Anjum Chopra, and Tripti Murgunde. This committee reflects a comprehensive approach to evaluating and recognizing excellence across various sports.