“Selection is not in My Hands…”: Mohammed Shami’s Bold opinion on Asia Cup snub

Mohammed Shami has been out of international action for some time, with his last appearance coming in March during the Champions Trophy. He later featured in the IPL 2025 but was not included in the squad for the India vs England Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

According to reports, the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, had even consulted Shami before finalising the squad. However, the pacer admitted he wasn’t fully confident about his fitness. Shami also missed India’s five-match series against Australia, and lingering doubts over his readiness eventually led to his exclusion from the England tour.

“Same thing happened before the Australia tour as well. Before the tour, I had discomfort. I am a believer in the thought process that if you are not at the level the team wants you to be, you should take a step back,” Shami said on News24.

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He was also asked whether the BCCI selectors had spoken to him before finalising the Asia Cup squad, where he ultimately missed out.

“I have neither blamed anyone nor complained that the selectors should or shouldn’t talk to me. I don’t care about it that much. If I fit into your plans, then select me in the team. If I don’t, then don’t pick me. I have no objections. You fulfill your duties and do what’s best for the nation. I believe that if you give me an opportunity, I will try to do my best,” Shami said.

On his likely return date, Shami added: “I am working hard. If I can play the Duleep Trophy, I can certainly play T20Is.”

“I don’t have any expectations. I believe in my own abilities — if you give me an opportunity, I will give my absolute best. Selection is not in my hands. I am ready to play in all formats. If I can play for five days in the Duleep Trophy, there shouldn’t be any discussion about whether I can play international cricket,” he concluded.