A Conspicuous Absence
When the BCCI announced the squads for the ODI and Test series against New Zealand, Mohammed Shami's name was nowhere to be found. This wasn't an oversight; it was a deliberate omission that has left many perplexed. The 36-year-old pacer, a hero of India's
2023 World Cup campaign and a proven match-winner in all formats, was once again sidelined. Despite consistently strong performances in domestic cricket for Bengal, including a 37-wicket haul in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season, the national team selectors have continued to look past him. His last appearance for India was in March 2025, a gap that has grown increasingly difficult for the cricketing community to ignore.
The Demand for Answers
The core of the backlash isn't just the non-selection itself, but the deafening silence from the board. No official reason, no press conference, just a squad list sent via email. This lack of transparency has created a vacuum filled with speculation and frustration. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has been particularly vocal, demanding accountability. 'No questions are asked, no BCCI selector explains the decisions, there's no accountability. You've to keep transparency', Kaif stated, highlighting that a player of Shami's stature deserves a clear explanation. This sentiment has been echoed across social media and by pundits, who feel the current process is opaque and disrespectful to senior players.
Fitness Rumours and Counterarguments
In the absence of an official statement, reports have emerged suggesting the selectors are unconvinced about Shami's ability to bowl long spells, a key requirement for Test cricket. According to one journalist's report, the team management doesn't trust Shami's fitness for the longer format, despite his participation in the Ranji Trophy. However, critics have quickly dismantled this argument. Mohammad Kaif pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah's workload is also carefully managed with shorter spells, so the same logic should apply to Shami. Former batter Abhinav Mukund dismissed age as a factor, noting that the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the T20I setup proves the door isn't closed on veterans. Shami himself has maintained that his domestic performances prove his fitness.
A Pattern of Poor Communication?
This incident is not happening in isolation. For years, fans and journalists have criticised the BCCI for its ambiguous handling of player injuries and selections. The confusion surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness in the past serves as a prime example. While the board has recently claimed it is aiming for more transparency, the Shami case suggests that old habits die hard. By failing to communicate the reasoning, whether it's related to form, fitness, or a strategic move to blood younger players like Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj, the board invites criticism and alienates a passionate fanbase. The current situation reinforces the perception of an organisation that operates without the need for public justification.
