Tension brewing between Hardik Pandya & Mohammed Shami? Indian stars snub each other during NCA inauguration

A viral video from the inauguration of the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru has sparked speculation of tension between Indian cricket stars Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami.?

In the footage, the two players are seen standing apart and appear to avoid interacting with each other, neither exchanging glances nor engaging in conversation. Both were observed chatting with other individuals nearby, fueling rumors of a possible rift.

Pandya and Shami, who previously played together for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, have since gone separate ways, with Pandya returning to Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season.?

However, an earlier incident between the two may hint at underlying friction. Shami had previously shared an account of an encounter during a match, where Hardik reacted aggressively following a fielding lapse. Shami publicly expressed his displeasure at Hardik's reaction, advising him not to show such emotions on the field.

Inside the inauguration of the new NCA in Bengaluru

The NCA event, where this interaction (or lack thereof) took place, marked the unveiling of the BCCI's new Centre of Excellence.?BCCI President Roger Binny led the inauguration, with prominent officials like Jay Shah and Rajeev Shukla also in attendance.?

The NCA has been renamed the BCCI Centre of Excellence and is set to serve as a cutting-edge facility for the future of Indian cricket.?A visionary project spearheaded by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, the Centre of Excellence spans 40 acres and boasts three cricket grounds with a total of 86 pitches.

It aims to introduce advancements in sports science and training for young cricketers across the country. Shah, whose BCCI tenure concludes in November, will transition to the role of ICC chairman afterward. His dedication to completing the NCA project before his term ends reflects his ambition to leave a lasting legacy.

Interestingly, Shah has indicated that the NCA’s advanced facilities may also benefit Olympic athletes, following India's recent success in the Paris Olympics. Athletes like Neeraj Chopra, India’s track and field star, could potentially utilize the facilities in the future.

What lies ahead for Pandya and Shami

As for the players involved, Hardik Pandya will next feature in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami is gradually working his way back to full fitness following surgery on his Achilles tendon.?

Injured in February, Shami has resumed bowling and is eager to return to international cricket, although he remains cautious about making a premature comeback.

"I have been out of the team for a long time, working on my fitness. I don’t want to come back with any doubt in my mind. The stronger I become, the better for me. The chances of injury will be less,” Shami said last week. "It’s important to be completely fit, then it does not matter whether I return against Bangladesh, New Zealand or Australia,” he added.

On the other hand, Hardik recently missed out on the opportunity to become India’s T20I captain after Rohit Sharma stepped down from the role. Despite captaining Mumbai Indians and being a contender, Hardik’s recent fitness struggles led selectors to choose Suryakumar Yadav as Rohit’s successor.?

Pandya’s injury history has seen him miss several matches in recent years, contributing to the decision.

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