Mohammed Shami Summoned for SIR Hearing in Kolkata; Pacer to Miss Session for Vijay Hazare Trophy

The Election Commission has summoned veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami and his brother, Mohammed Kaif, to appear for a hearing as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, Shami is set to miss the appearance scheduled for Monday in South Kolkata, as he is currently in Rajkot representing Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.  Irfan Pathan Criticises BCCI Selection Committee Over Non-Selection of Mohammed Shami in ODI Squad, Says 'What Improvement is Needed'.

The summons, issued from a verification center in Jadavpur, requires the cricketer to provide evidence of his residency and voter eligibility. Sources close to the player confirmed that the commission has been notified of his professional commitments, and a request for a deferred hearing date is expected.

Voter Status Under Review

The SIR process is a rigorous, time-bound audit of voter lists in West Bengal ahead of upcoming administrative milestones. Shami and his brother were reportedly flagged during the "progeny mapping" phase of the revision, a procedural check used to verify the residency and family links of registered voters.

Despite being born in Uttar Pradesh, Shami has been a permanent resident of Kolkata for several years and is enrolled in Ward No. 93 of the Rashbehari Assembly constituency. The hearing seeks to resolve minor discrepancies in his enumeration forms, a process that has seen several high-profile citizens in the city summoned for physical verification.

Focus on Domestic Cricket and Fitness

While the administrative hearing makes headlines, Shami’s immediate priority remains the white-ball domestic season. He is currently spearheading Bengal’s attack in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he has been in exceptional form.

In Bengal’s recent Elite Group B matches in Rajkot, Shami has dispelled concerns over his long-term fitness. He recently claimed figures of 3-55 against Assam and has taken a total of 11 wickets in five matches so far this tournament. His participation is being viewed as a final audition for a potential return to the Indian national squad for upcoming international assignments.

Background: The SIR Controversy

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has been a subject of significant political and public debate in West Bengal. Launched in December 2025, the exercise has resulted in the deletion of over 58 lakh names from draft rolls, leading to accusations of procedural ambiguity.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly questioned the transparency of the SIR, expressing concern that genuine electors—including high-profile figures like Shami—are being forced to prove their citizenship through "inhumane" and "arbitrary" timelines. The final voter list for the state is scheduled for publication on February 14, 2026.

Path to the National Team

The administrative hurdle comes at a delicate time for Shami’s international career. Despite his strong domestic performances, he was recently omitted from the ODI squad for the home series against New Zealand, sparking criticism from his coaches and former players who believe the 35-year-old has done enough to prove his match-readiness. West Bengal SIR: Election Commission Directs 2-Level Checking of Supporting Documents of Voters During Hearing Sessions.

For now, the pacer remains focused on leading Bengal into the knockout stages of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with his legal team expected to handle the rescheduled SIR hearing in Kolkata between January 9 and 11.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 08:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).