Just days after being overlooked by the BCCI selectors for the India–South Africa Test series, senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami has now been officially released by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and traded to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2026 at his existing fee of INR 10 crore.

The BCCI’s earlier decision to leave Shami out of the Test squad, despite an impressive Ranji Trophy performance, had already raised questions. India Test captain Shubman Gill admitted that dropping a bowler of Shami’s calibre was “tough,” but stressed that the team was planning strategically for future conditions and upcoming tours. Shami, meanwhile, had expressed disappointment over being repeatedly sidelined, with selectors attributing his exclusion to fitness concerns.

Shami’s recent domestic numbers painted a very different picture. Playing for Bengal, he produced a brilliant spell of 5/38 against Gujarat at Eden Gardens—his 13th five-wicket haul—helping secure a 144-run victory. With 15 wickets at 10.46 in just four innings, he made a strong push for a national return. Yet, the veteran pacer was omitted once again, signalling that the management may be looking beyond him for the longer format.

Now, in the IPL trading window, Shami has been handed a fresh chapter. SRH, who bought him for INR 10 crore for the 2025 season, have traded him to LSG, where he will continue at the same fee. The 34-year-old brings immense experience—119 IPL matchesa Purple Cap in 2023and key roles in Gujarat Titans’ title-winning campaigns.

Although he missed the 2024 IPL due to injury, Shami’s 2023 season remains one of the most dominant by an Indian pacer in T20 cricket, finishing with 28 wickets in 17 matches and another 20 wickets in GT’s 2023 title run.

With the move to Lucknow Super Giants now confirmed, Shami will aim for a strong IPL comeback—one that could potentially reopen doors in Indian cricket.