Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has spoken out against the ongoing speculation about his retirement from international cricket. Shami has been sidelined from the Indian team, including missing the Test series against England and the Asia Cup 2025 squad, which has led to rumors about his future. However, Shami, currently playing in the Duleep Trophy, has stated his intention to continue playing, emphasizing that he will retire only when he no longer enjoys the game.
“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. You don’t pick me, but I will keep working hard. You don’t pick me in international, I will play domestic. I will keep playing somewhere or the other. You have to make these decisions when you start feeling bored. That is not the time for me now,” Shami clarified.
Shami also reflected on his performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was the highest wicket-taker. He revealed his ambition to be part of the team that wins the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“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. We had a gut feeling, but we also had a fear that we were winning non-stop, and it was the knockout stage. There was some fear. But the enthusiasm and belief of the fans motivated us. This was a dream that could have been fulfilled, but maybe it was not in my luck,” he added.
Furthermore, Shami discussed the ankle injury he sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He detailed his 14-month recovery period and the importance of managing physical strain to prevent serious injury. “We often overpush, and then we have to pay a big penalty. It happened to me during the 2015 World Cup when I pushed a lot and then had to get my knee operated on. It was the same scene in 2023. I played in pain and then I had to give up and spent a lot of time after that. I am not saying not to push, but if it is a normal series, you should talk to the management,” Shami said.