Mohammed Shami issues official statement on alleged dig at Amit Mishra over 'Virat Kohli' matter

Senior Team India pacer Mohammed Shami has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports suggesting he took a dig at former cricketer Amit Mishra for his comments on Virat Kohli. Mohammed Shami called the news reports fake and urged the media to verify sources before publishing misinformation.

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube show 'Unplugged', Mohammed Shami discussed his personal and professional life, including his close friendship with former India captain Virat Kohli and senior pacer Ishant Sharma. Shami shared how both players supported him by staying in touch during his injury recovery.

Some reports claimed that Shami indirectly criticized Mishra for his remarks about Virat Kohli on the same show. Mishra had stated that "fame and power" had altered Kohli, and Shami’s comments were seen as a response. Shami was quoted as saying that former cricketers often speak against Kohli for publicity.

"Many former cricketers know that whenever they say something against Virat, their name will appear on the front page of the newspapers the next day, so they do it deliberately," the reports quoted the pacer as saying.

Disappointed To See False Information Circulating - Mohammed Shami

Amid reports suggesting Mohammed Shami criticized Amit Mishra, the fast bowler expressed his frustration on social media and condemned the spread of misinformation. Shami also posted screenshots of fake news from a couple of outlets.

"Disappointed to see false information circulating about Amit Mishra. It's humble request to verify news sources before publishing. Requesting @News24sportss to take down the story and issue a correction," Shami wrote on X (formely known as Twitter).

Disappointed to see false information circulating about Amit Mishra. It's humble request to verify news sources before publishing. Requesting @News24sportss to take down the story and issue a correction. @MishiAmit @shubhankrmishra #StopFakeNews #Cricket pic.twitter.com/dlD5n6Qed1

— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) July 20, 2024

Amit Mishra also reacted to Shami's comments and took to his official X handle to lash out at the media outlets.

"Stop following agenda-driven sources like @news24tvchannel. Seriously, @mdshami11, it's their job to spread fake news, make it go viral, and then delete it once people call them out. They crave attention, and we shouldn’t give them the satisfaction. @Shubhankarmishra.#FakeNews. #TimesNow #SportsNow," he wrote on X.

Amit Mishra played 22 Tests, 36 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for India. In Tests, he picked up 76 wickets at an average of 35.72. In ODIs, the leg spinner secured 64 wickets at an average of 23.60, including two five-wicket and two four-wicket hauls. In T20Is, Mishra bagged 16 wickets at an average of 15 and a strike rate of 14.2.

The 41-year-old bowler played for various teams in the IPL, including the Delhi Capitals (DC), Deccan Chargers (DC), and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). He has been with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) since 2022. Mishra has taken 174 wickets in 162 IPL matches at an average of 23.84, including one five-wicket haul.

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