Mohammed Shami's Exclusion From Squad Explained! Report Suggests BCCI 'Desperately' Wanted Pacer For England Tour

Mohammed Shami News: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami's snub from the Indian Team has been a major topic of discussion since he last played in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. There is no denying that the pacer, who has been a vital cog for the Indian Cricket Team in last couple of years, has been overlooked by the selection committee led by chairman Ajit Agarkar. Even recently, Shami was denied a place in the squad for South Africa series starting November 14.

Interestingly, Shami has been a regular for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy tournament, as he even claimed 'no communication' from the team management over his non-selection. However, in a recent report by PTI negated Shami's claims against the selectors.

A BCCI official, who was quoted by PTI, confirmed that the 35-year-old was asked by the team management if he could participate in a tour match featuring India A and England Lions in either Canterbury or Northampton. The report suggested that BCCI 'desperately' wanted to have Shami on board for the England tour if he could prove his fitness with India A matches.

Also Read: Raina warns CSK of losing Ravindra Jadeja

The report also suggested that Shami asked for more time to develop the workload and should not be considered for the task."

“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 JaspritBumrah could not have played more than three Tests. Who wouldn’t want a bowler of his calibre in English conditions?" a senior board official was quoted as saying by PTI.

“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 official added.

It has been seen that even for Bengal, Shami has not been bowling long spells which he could be required to do for India in trying conditions. He has mostly been bowling four-over spells and taking multiple breaks in a day's play. His average speed also isn't more than 130 kmph.

Also Read: Jaiswal, Jurel frontrunners for RR captaincy

Shami did not play Bengal's ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Railways in Surat having played the first three games.

Inputs from PTI