Did Shami refuse to go on England tour? BCCI official told

Samira Vishwas

Tezzbuzz|11-11-2025

Main points:

Mohammed Shami is working hard in Ranji Trophy. However, his return to the Test and ODI team seems difficult at the moment. The selectors have doubts about his condition due to injury and fitness. Shami is currently bowling short spells and is not completely prepared.

Delhi: Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is once again working hard to return to the field. 35-year-old Shami last played a Champions Trophy match for India in March this year. Since then he has not got a place in the team of any format. He suffered a heel injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup and had to undergo surgery for it. Because of this he stayed away from cricket for a long time. Now that the Indian team is moving forward, it does not seem that Shami will be able to make a comeback in international cricket soon.

Had Shami refused to tour England?

Some reports claimed that Shami had refused to go to England. Shami said that the selectors did not talk to him. However, a senior BCCI official said that the selectors and staff contacted Shami several times. “We wanted his services in England because Bumrah had played only three Tests. Everyone wants a bowler like Shami in conditions like England,” the official said.

questions about fitness

A member of the selection committee said that Shami was discussed about his fitness and he was asked to play a match for India A against England Lions. With this, it can be ascertained whether he is fit for the England series or not. It was told that Shami said that he has to increase his bowling workload and he is not ready at the moment.

According to the BCCI official, Shami’s medical report is with the board and it is being seen whether he is completely fit to face the rigors of the international level or not. Shami believes that he is ready for ODI cricket, but only the selectors will take the final decision.

At present Shami is bowling short spells in Ranji Trophy, whereas long spells are required in Test cricket. This is why some questions still remain regarding his fitness and selection.

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Aparna Mishra

I am a sports journalist who is very fond of cricket. Anchoring, reporting, content… More by Aparna Mishra