Why Shami was not selected: Mohammed Kaif wants clarity from BCCI after rejection of NZ tour

Why is Mohammed Shami not part of the Indian squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand? That seems to be the question floating around ever since he was out of contention for selection from the England tour in 2025. Now, Mohammed Kaif seems to have had enough and is demanding clarity from the BCCI on the pacer’s continued suppression from the side.

Shami’s omission sparked debate in September and October 2025when chief selector Ajit Agarkar then raised concerns about the pacer’s fitness and match fitness.

However, Shami claimed that his availability for Bengal showed that he was ready to play. In May 2026, Agarkar said that the selectors had not discussed a Test comeback, adding that information available to them suggested that Shami’s body was fit for T20 cricket at that time.

Temper continued to impress domestically, taking 37 wickets in seven Ranji Trophy matches for Bengal last season at an average of 16.72, including three five-wicket hauls. During the opening of the new Ranji season, Shami picked up five wickets in the first innings of the match against Services.

In an interview with Cricbuzz, Kaif commented on Shami’s fitness reports and pointed out the fact that even Jasprit Bumrah mostly mixes short spells and then has a break during Tests.

“I believe there should be transparency. Come forward and tell us what is the reason. He is doing everything right. He is playing Ranji, taking wickets, what could be the reason? I read somewhere that he is not selected because he only plays short spells. Jasprit Bumrah also bowls short spells, then he takes a break. In England, when his workload was handled by Gillmad, he was handled by a short spell by Shub,” Shub said.

“NEW ZEALAND WILL BE GLAD NOT TO SEE SHAMI”

Shami enjoyed success in New Zealand, taking 15 wickets in four Tests and 27 in 12 ODIs at an average of 22.44. In 16 ODIs against the Blackcaps, Shami has 38 wickets at an average of 21.15.

Kaif said New Zealand will be happy with Shami not being part of the touring team.

“Go ask the New Zealand batsmen who they wouldn’t want to face. The first bowler they name is Mohammed Shami. He single-handedly won the match for us in Dharamsala against them in the 2023 ODI World Cup and you can add the semi-final at the Wankhede.”

“I tell you this, if you tell the New Zealand batsmen that Mohammed Shami is not coming, they will be breathing a sigh of relief as we speak,” Kaif said.

Shami is currently part of the Bengal Ranji Trophy squad but they missed their match against Services.

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