 "BCCI insider exposes Shami’s claims, says selectors were ‘desperate’ but pacer wasn’t ready: Report")
A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) insider has refuted Mohamed Shami’s claims that the national selectors have deliberately ignored him for India matches since the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 35-year-old pacer has not played for India since the ICC event in March due to fitness issues, as claimed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The pacer, however, has refuted those claims consistently.
Shami claims that there has been a lack of communication from the Agarkar-led BCCI selection panel and his participation in domestic matches is enough to prove that he is fit to play for India. The latest snub for the veteran bowler was his exclusion from the squad for the two Tests against South Africa, which start on 14 November. He also did not travel with the Indian team to England or Australia in 2025.
BCCI hits back at Shami over exclusion claims
Amid all the drama, a BCCI official has revealed that BCCI selectors were “desperate” to have Shami in the squad for the Test series in England earlier this year as Jasprit Bumrah was available for just three out of the five matches, but the pacer was not ready.
“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. Who wouldn’t want a bowler of his calibre in English conditions?” a senior board official told news agency PTI.
The PTI report added that a senior member of the selection panel sent multiple messages to Shami, asking him to play one India A game against England Lions that would have allowed the BCCI to ascertain his fitness for the five-match series, but the pacer declined the invitation.
Shami communicated to the selector that he still needed time to build his workload and should not be considered for the England tests.
“So the narrative that there was no communication with Shami isn’t an absolute truth. The sports science team also has his medical reports and whether his body will be able to take the rigours of international cricket,” the BCCI official added.
Quick Reads
View AllShami is currently engaged in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal, playing three matches in the ongoing season after also taking part in one Duleep Trophy game. While the pacer continues to build his workload and get back into contention for Team India, his growing age and fitness issues, including a dodgy knee, could go against him.
In the Ranji games, Shami has been seen taking long breaks between small spells and his bowling speed has been only around 130 kmph.
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