Ranji Trophy: Shami allowed to bowl only 15 overs per innings

After being permitted to play for Bengal against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' match on Tuesday at the Eden Gardens, BCCI has allowed Shami to bowl 15 overs per innings

Given the situation that Indian star pacer Mohammed Shami is a part of the Indian squad for the upcoming four-Test series against Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has imposed a condition for him after being allowed to play for Bengal against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' match on Tuesday at the Eden Gardens.

The 28-year-old can bowl 15 overs per innings, with a 'grace' of no more than two to three overs, according to a report by Cricbuzz.

At the end of each day's play, the BCCI has directed the Bengal team management to send a fitness and workload report of Shami to the board.

After Shami expressed his eagerness to play for Bengal, he was included in the 16-member squad announced on Friday. It was learnt that Bengal were quite comfortable with the restrictions and wanted the star pacer to be the part of the team.

Skipper Manoj Tiwary welcomed Shami back in the squad. "India obviously comes first and we have to respect what the BCCI has said," Tiwary said after the selection committee meeting at the CAB on Friday.

"I don't think he (Shami) will need so many overs. We are confident about his ability and with the type of result-oriented pitch we are planning to play on in this match, I believe he will do the job along with the other bowlers," he stated.

The bowlers will be rested on Saturday when the team begins training for their next match against Kerala.