Why was Mohammed Shami excluded from the India tours?

Shami says his domestic form for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy proves he is fit, but BCCI selector Ajit Agarkar claims Shami was not fit enough to be selected for the tours.

What did Ravichandran Ashwin say about the communication between players and administrators in Indian cricket?

Ashwin believes there needs to be more direct communication between players and administrators to resolve selection issues, as "everything in Indian cricket runs on indirect speech."

How did Shami respond to Agarkar's comments about his exclusion?

Shami said, "Let him say whatever he wants. You've seen how I bowled. It's all in front of your eyes," indicating he believes his domestic performances speak for themselves.

Home / Sports / Shami Speaks Out After Exclusion from India Tours

Shami Speaks Out After Exclusion from India Tours

20 Oct

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Summary

Shami says his domestic form proves his fitness
Agarkar says Shami could have been selected if fit
Ashwin calls for more direct communication in Indian cricket

In the lead-up to the 2025-26 season, a controversy has erupted around the exclusion of fast bowler Mohammed Shami from India's recent limited-overs tour of Australia and the England tour.

Shami, who was overlooked for both tours, has responded by saying that his availability and performances for his domestic team Bengal in the Ranji Trophy prove that he is fit and ready to play for India. "Let him say whatever he wants. You've seen how I bowled. It's all in front of your eyes," Shami said, referring to comments made by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Agarkar had stated that if Shami was fit, he would have been selected for the England tour. "Unfortunately, he wasn't. Our domestic season has just started, so we'll see if he is fit enough, and we'll see where it goes," Agarkar said.

Commenting on the situation, senior India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin emphasized the need for more direct communication between players and administrators. "Everything in Indian cricket runs on indirect speech. That is something I really wish would change. It has to change from both the players' side and the administrators' side as well," Ashwin said.

Ashwin believes that if Shami had been given clarity on the team's expectations, he could have responded accordingly. "If Shami had been given clarity, like 'this is what we're expecting,' then he could respond accordingly. Or, has Shami received the communication and is choosing not to disclose it? We don't know the reality," Ashwin added.

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