Slamming Retirement Talks, Mohammed Shami Eyes ODI World Cup Dream

Despite having fallen out of favor, Mohammed Shami is still considered one of the most consistent wicket-takers and white-ball bowlers in India.

Slamming Retirement Talks, Mohammed Shami Eyes ODI World Cup Dream

Mohammed Shami brushed aside retirement suggestions, despite falling out of favor. (via Inside Sport)

Mohammed Shami hit back at critics, who suggested that the 34-year-old should retire from international cricket after having seemingly fallen out of favor. The veteran Indian pacer reassured fans that he plans to keep playing and questioned why he had become a ‘stone’ in the eyes of those critics.

Shami has been out of contention for a spot on the Indian team for some time now and was not even considered a probable for the 2025 Asia Cup squad, announced last week. He was also not picked in India’s red-ball squad for the five-match Test series against England. The 34-year-old last played a Test match in June 2023, in the WTC final against Australia, a match which the Men in Blue lost.

Shami was impressive at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he finished as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in just seven matches at a remarkable average of 10.71. Following the tournament, he struggled with an ankle injury and even underwent an achilles tendon surgery, which kept him out of action for an extended period. Shami returned to play for India after 14 months, in the white-ball series against England in January, and later was a part of India’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy-winning campaign. 

After being overlooked for two consecutive series, suggestions emerged that Mohammed Shami should consider retirement as the next logical step for him, with chances of making an India return grim. In an interview with News 24, he hit back at those suggestions, while confirming that there is a lot of cricket still left in him. He stated he would only retire when he gets bored of playing, but that time is not now.

If someone has a problem, tell me, if it is like their lives become better if I take retirement. Tell me whose life have I become a rock in that you want me to retire? The day I get bored, I will leave.

The Bengal pacer wittily stated he would retire if it would make someone’s life better, and asked if he had become a ‘stone’ in the eyes of those who want him to end his career. Furthermore, Shami reiterated his desire to win the 2027 ODI World Cup, having experienced a heart-breaking defeat in the final of the 2023 edition. He also shared his opinion that the fear in the knock-outs contributed to India’s defeat in the final.

I only have one dream left, that is to win the ODI World Cup. I want to be a part of that team and perform that wins the ODI World Cup and brings it home. We were very close in 2023.

The 34-year-old is all prepared to make a comeback into the Indian team, by giving his absolute best in domestic cricket. Mohammed Shami is currently playing for East Zone in the ongoing 2025 Duleep Trophy, and is a part of the playing XI in the 1st quarter-final against North Zone. 

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Mohammed Shami Shares Unfiltered Opinion on Controversial India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match

The scheduled India-Pakistan clash at the 2025 Asia Cup has garnered controversy, due to strained bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. Mohammed Shami, who is not part of India’s T20I squad for the tournament, recently shared his perspective on the fixture.

Mohammed Shami on India-Pakistan
Mohammed Shami shared his opinion on the upcoming India-Pakistan fixture at the 2025 Asia Cup. (via NDTV Sports)

Many former players have urged the BCCI and the Indian team to boycott playing against Pakistan at the 2025 Asia Cup, even asking the players to take inspiration from the India ‘Champions’ stars who refused to play against Pakistan at the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL). However, Shami offered a different view in the interview with News 24, arguing that cricket is not always driven by emotions.

The 34-year-old pacer argued that teams and players should adhere to the advice of the government and the cricket boards. With the Indian government and the BCCI having given their nod to the India-Pakistan fixture, while maintaining the view that bilateral cricket engagements would remain suspended, Shami suggested that the team should play if all parties have agreed.

It is always better to agree with whatever the government and the cricket board say. Whatever they decide, you should stick behind it. Cricket isn’t played just by emotions. When everyone agrees to play, you should play.

Furthermore, Mohammed Shami, who was a victim of social media abuse following India’s defeat to Pakistan at the 2021 T20 World Cup, talked about the experience of playing against the arch-rivals. He shared his belief that it is no different from playing against other nations.

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