Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has suffered a significant legal blow in a long-pending divorce case, with the Calcutta High Court ordering him to pay a hefty monthly maintenance amount to his estranged wife Hasin Jahan and daughter Aaira.
According to the order of the court, Shami must pay Rs 1.50 lakh a month to Hasin Jahan and Rs 2.50 lakh to their daughter, amounting to Rs 4 lakh a month.
Importantly, the monthly maintenance has been retrospectively adjusted for the last seven years. The lower court has also been directed to wrap up the proceedings in six months. The case is covered under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
This decision is in the wake of a much-publicized and emotionally charged family drama. Shami had last year reunited with his daughter Aaira after a long time of not having contact with her. The duo was spotted shopping, and the cricketer posted the emotional moment on Instagram along with the caption, "Time stood still when I saw her again after long time.". Love you more than words can express, Bebo." The heartfelt post received over 1.6 lakh likes within a span of one hour.
Hasin Jahan, however, reacted critically to the meeting, levelling accusations against Shami's motive. In an interview with anandabazar.com, she alleged, "It's only for the sake of show. My daughter's passport has expired. Shami's signature is needed for the new passport.". That is why she went to see her father but Shami did not sign. He took her daughter to a shopping mall. The shop where Shami advertises, he took her there. My daughter purchased shoes and clothes from that shop. Shami does not have to pay if he purchases something from there. That's why she was taken there. My daughter needed a guitar and camera, he didn't purchase those things to her.
She also claimed, "Shami never asks about my daughter. Shami is only occupied with himself. He met her a month ago, but posted nothing at that time. I believe there was nothing to post today, so he posted this video."
While Shami has often been praised for his cricketing prowess and consistent performances on the field, his personal life has been fraught with turbulence. Following the breakdown of his marriage with Hasin Jahan, the fast bowler faced several serious allegations, including one as grave as match-fixing. The accusation led to an inquiry by the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
Even with his career achievement, the legal and personal scandal surrounding him has persisted to taint the public image of the cricketer.
