Amidst the ongoing controversy between Mohammed Shami and the head of the BCCI selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, new details have emerged about the Indian pacer’s current situation. Shami had recently expressed his frustration over what he described as a lack of communication from the selectors, especially after his exclusion from the South Africa Test series, despite impressive performances in the Ranji Trophy, where he picked up 15 wickets from 93 overs in just three matches.
However, a BCCI spokesperson has now denied Shami’s claims, revealing that the selectors had, in fact, approached him to participate in the England Tests. The 35-year-old pacer, however, ruled himself out, choosing not to take up the offer.
Shami, who last played for India during the Champions Trophy earlier this year, has struggled to break back into the national squad since then. Despite having recovered from his injuries, Shami has found himself slipping down the pecking order, now facing stiff competition from the likes of Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana. With age becoming a factor, Shami may never earn another India call-up, and his decision to skip the England tour could very well play a part in that.
A senior BCCI official told PTI, “There have been multiple instances where national selectors and the support staff at the BCCI Centre of Excellence have tried to get in touch with Shami. The selection committee was desperate to have him available for the England Tests, particularly since Jasprit Bumrah could not have played more than three Tests. Who wouldn’t want a bowler of Shami’s calibre in English conditions?”
It is also worth noting that Shami missed the Australia tour, despite the BCCI actively seeking his services for the challenging overseas series. However, his ankle injury had thrown a spanner in the works, making it unlikely for him to be fully fit for a demanding five-Test series like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Regarding Shami’s exclusion from the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, the source emphasised that it had nothing to do with any alleged lack of communication. “The narrative that there was no communication with Shami is simply not true. The sports science team also has his medical reports, and the selectors are fully aware of whether his body can handle the physical demands of international cricket,” the official clarified.
Despite Shami’s frustration, it appears the BCCI had genuine intentions of bringing him back into the fold, but his own refusal to join the England tour may have played a pivotal role in his ongoing exclusion.