'Hope Shami will return soon'

New Delhi: Retired Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that his fellow sportsman Mohammed Shami is among his favourites and prays that the agonising experience the Indian bowler is going through, ends soon.

"I think it's right to say much about what's happening with Mohammed Shami at the moment. Everyone knows there is a case registered by Police on him, so it's not right for me to say much about it but i can say he is among favourite player and he is a big player. Things are really going tough for home and as a cricketer, I would pray that things that are happening with him end soon," said the 37-year-old former Indian international player.

The 28-year-old medium pacer was charged under various non-bailable and bailable sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), following a complaint filed by his wife. He has been also charged under section 498A, which amounts to cruelty to a woman by her husband or his relatives. BCCI had withheld his contract and is currently looking into the matter.

When asked about if media is exaggerating on Shami's situation or not, Kaif said everything is out in the open and there's no stopping after that.

"See his wife has gone to the media and revealed everything, so its all in the open now, so you can't really control things after that. I'm just hoping everything would be fine soon," he said.

Speaking on the new contracts out for the Indian cricketers by Board of Cricket Control of India (both for men and women), which showed a huge gulf in pay for the eves, Kaif said Indian women's team is gradually destined to get there.

"I do feel Indian team deserves more but we don't need to rush. Men's cricket has been in the limelight for long whereas Women's cricket grabbed people attention around a decade back. Things were not merrier for Men's cricket in the past too and gradually it reached here. Same goes for Women's cricket; slowly things are getting better for them. and I'm sure in the future they will reach the heights," he explained.

Kaif was present at the Indian Army's Soldierathon event, which aims to honour the sacrifices of the armed forces by raising funds for their rehabilitation and their children's education, on Sunday. He participated in 10-km event.