New Delhi: Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami has garnered attention for his ongoing absence from the national team, despite his regular participation in domestic cricket. Currently representing Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, Shami has played in the first three rounds of the tournament.
Since contributing significantly to India’s Champions Trophy victory, Shami has not donned the national jersey. His most recent Test appearance was during the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2023, while his last T20 International match occurred against England in February 2025.
Addressing questions about his fitness and exclusion from the team, Shami remarked, “Selection is not in my hands. If there is a fitness issue, I shouldn’t be here playing for Bengal. I think I do not need to speak on this and create a controversy. If I can play four-dayers (Ranji Trophy), I can also play 50-overs cricket,” he told reporters before the Ranji Trophy season commenced on October 15.
Recent updates from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) indicate that officials were keen for Shami to participate in the England tour, even inviting him to play for India A in a preparatory series against the England Lions. However, Shami did not feel ready to build the necessary workload for such commitments.
A senior board official stated, “There have been multiple times that national selectors and support staff from the BCCI Centre of Excellence have called to check on Shami. The selection committee was desperate to get his services in England as Jasprit Bumrah could not have played more than three Tests.” The official added, “Who wouldn’t want a bowler of his calibre in English conditions?” referring to the Test series that India ultimately drew 2-2 earlier this year.
According to the report, a senior member of the selection panel reached out to Shami multiple times to inquire about his fitness and requested him to feature in the India A matches against the England Lions. Shami, however, indicated he required more time to prepare and should not be considered for the assignment.
“This narrative that there was no communication with Shami isn’t an absolute truth. The sports science team also has his medical reports to determine whether his body can handle the rigours of international cricket,” the official further clarified.
