Mohammed Shami will be backed by Bengal Cricket for 100 first-class appearances

Mohammed Shami will receive a special tribute from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Saturday as he nears the milestone of 100 first-class appearances. The veteran Indian quick, currently on 99 first-class matches, will be felicitated a day before the Duleep Trophy final between the East and South Zones at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Shami played an important role in East Zone’s run to the finals, claiming five wickets over two innings their semi-final against defending champions Central Zone. The 35-year-old has so far taken 382 wickets in first-class cricket, with his best innings figures of 8 for 90 during an illustrious domestic career.

CAB will celebrate a special presentation for Shami on the occasion. He will receive a cricket ball signed by CAB president Sourav Ganguly, a personalized number 100 jersey and a silver tray. The felicitation will be conducted by CAB treasurer Sanjoy Das.

“Shami is the pride of Bengal cricket and an absolute legend. This is a small gesture on behalf of the state association to complete an important milestone,” Das told PTI.

Despite continuing to influence domestic cricket, Shami remains out of India’s current international set-up. His last appearance for the national team came in the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.

The fast bowler has also not been included in India’s immediate plans for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

Still, Shami remained active on the domestic circuitusing first-class cricket to maintain his match fitness as he continues his quest to regain full fitness and fight for another Indian comeback.

“He still has cricket left. He is ready and if the country needs him, he will be ready to serve,” Shami’s coach Mohammed Badruddin told India Today.

The Duleep Trophy final could be Shami’s chance to stake his claim to return to the Indian side.

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Published on:

05 Sep 2026 0:59 IST