Veteran Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami has firmly dismissed growing retirement rumours, stating he remains motivated and far from calling time on his career. Speaking ahead of his new franchise’s first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026Shami emphasized that thoughts of retirement have not crossed his mind.
Interacting with Shubhankar Mishra on his Youtube channel, Shami said that retirement is something he associates with boredom or fatigue – neither of which he currently feels. According to him, as long as he enjoys the game and delivers results, stepping away is not an option. His remarks come amid increasing speculation due to his absence from the national team since March 2025.
Shami last represented India during the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Since then, despite consistent domestic performances, he has remained out of the selectors’ plans, sparking debates among fans and experts.
“When I get tired, I will call it a day. But I am not even thinking of retirement right now because such thoughts pull you down. If this thought crosses your mind, it means you’re already tired. And if you’re tired, it means you’re bored. And I have said this earlier, too. I’ll leave cricket the day I wake up and decide to get bored. So yeah, the day I feel lazy or get bored, I’ll leave. But neither am I bored nor am I lazy. I am enjoying. Results are good and positive,” Shami said on The Shubhankar Mishra Show.
BCCI selection snub raises questions about Mohammed Shami’s retirement
The continued exclusion of Shami from the Indian squad has raised eyebrows, especially considering his stellar domestic record. During the 2025-26 season, the experienced pacer picked up an impressive 67 wickets across formats, reinforcing his reputation as one of India’s most reliable seamers.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors appear to be focusing on grooming younger fast bowlers. This shift has led to a perception that the management is gradually moving on from senior players like Shami.
Shami himself has expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from selectors. He revealed that clarity regarding his position in the team has been missing, leaving him uncertain despite maintaining strong form.
Adding to the complexity, Shami had opted out of major tours, including the Australia and England series, citing incomplete recovery from a foot injury. While these decisions were made to ensure long-term fitness, they may have inadvertently impacted his selection chances.
Shami’s fresh start with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026
In IPL 2026, Shami is all set to represent Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)hoping to turn a new page in his T20 career. After an ordinary stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025 – where he managed just six wickets in nine matches – the right-arm pacer is eager to prove his worth once again.
Shami acknowledged that while luck plays a role in cricket, his primary focus remains on effort, discipline, and attitude. He stressed that he is committed to giving his best for Lucknow and meeting the expectations placed on him by the franchise.
The move to LSG offers him a renewed platform to showcase his abilities in a high-pressure environment. With IPL being a crucial stage for players eyeing a national comeback, a strong performance could potentially reignite his international career.
Despite uncertainties surrounding his international future, Shami remains grounded and focused on his game. He highlighted that personal satisfaction and maintaining rhythm are more important than dwelling on past achievements or selection setbacks.
Rather than counting the number of matches played in domestic cricket, Shami emphasized the importance of staying in rhythm and maintaining peak performance levels. According to him, once that rhythm is achieved, thoughts about the future naturally follow.
“As a bowler, I will give my 100 per cent. I’ll perform my responsibilities and try to meet the expectations set for me. Rest, I can’t change my luck. All I can contribute is with my attitude and determination. If Lucknow has trusted me, I will give my all. Still, whenever you’re playing, the main element is satisfaction. Will I get the returns based on all the preparations that I have gone through? I did not focus on how much domestic I’ve played, but on the fact that my rhythm is alright. If that’s the point, I start thinking about the future,” added Shami.
