Mohammed Shami Slams Selectors for Lack of Communication After ODI Snub

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October 14, 2025 0 52

Mohammed Shami hit back at selectors for excluding him from India’s ODI squad, dismissing reports about his fitness issues.

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has taken a dig at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors after being left out of the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour, reportedly due to fitness concerns. The 35-year-old fast bowler has not featured in any format for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE.

Shami was ignored for India’s Test tour of England in July, the recently concluded home Test series against West Indies, and the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Australia in November. However, he returned to Bengal’s squad for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, when asked about Shami’s omission during the Australia tour press conference, did not mention any fitness concerns. Instead, he pointed out that the pacer had not played enough competitive cricket in recent times. “I have no update. He has played in the Duleep Trophy. But in the last two-three years, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket. I think he played one game for Bengal and one in the Duleep Trophy. As a performer, we know what he can do, but he has to play cricket,” Agarkar said.

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However, Shami rejected claims of any fitness issues and criticised the selectors for not communicating with him directly. “The Indian team didn’t communicate with me regarding fitness. I am not the one who would inform them about my fitness – they have to ask me. If I can play four-day cricket, then why can’t I play a 50-over game? If I wasn’t fit, I’d be at the NCA and not playing here in the Ranji Trophy,” Shami said, as quoted by India Today.

According to several reports, the selectors were not confident about Shami’s match fitness. But the pacer insisted that the responsibility to check on his condition lies with the board, not the player.

Meanwhile, Shami’s inclusion in Bengal’s Ranji squad signals his intent to stay active in domestic cricket. The squad, led by Abhimanyu Easwaran, also features India pacer Akash Deep.